Frederick Waite Jr., a drummer for Musical Youth, has away tragically at age 55. Frederick passed away in Birmingham in July, and the band just broke the devastating news.
“We are sad to report the demise of Musical Youth drummer Frederick Waite Jr.,” they said in a statement.
“During this difficult time, our thoughts are with him and his family. A legendary musician who has influenced countless aspiring artists over the past 40 years has passed away.
The fathers of Frederick, Patrick Waite, Michael Grant, and Kelvin Grant, as well as other band members, created the reggae group in the West Midlands in 1979.
How Did Frederick Waite Jr Died?
Frederick Waite Jr., a star of Musical Youth and drummer on the band’s smash hit Pass the Dutchie, passed away at the age of 55.
Waite passed away on July 20 in Birmingham; his death was announced by the British-Jamaican reggae band today.
No specific reason for death has been given.
We are sad to announce the passing of Musical Youth’s drummer Frederick Waite Jr. Our thoughts go out to him and his family during this sad time. We have lost a musical legend, who inspired many young musicians over the last 40 years.
— Musical Youth (@MusicalYouth30) August 11, 2022
Rest in Eternal Peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eeCg1a9Jv8
Musician Frederick Waite Jr. Cause of death
The cause of death is still unknown
Frederick passed away in Birmingham on July 20, and the band learned of his tragic passing on Thursday. No specific reason for death has been given.
History of musical youth
The group was formed in 1979 by Kelvin and Michael Grant’s father, along with Frederick (known as Jr.) and Patrick Waite, who banded together with their sons. The latter couple’s father, Frederick Waite Sr., was a member of the Jamaican reggae group Technique.
Early in his Musical Youth career, he sang lead roles in Junior. Musical His Youth was influenced by Reggae His artists such as Sugar His Minot, Aswad, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, John Holt, and Beshara. Although schoolboys (who attended Dudeston Manor School), the group managed to secure gigs in various pubs in Birmingham, and in 1981 formed a local label, 021 Records, named after Birmingham at the time.
Released a single consisting of two songs, “Generals” and “Political”. Area code. An appearance on BBC Radio 1’s evening show John Peel brought the group further prominence and they were signed to MCA Records.
By this time, founding member Frederick Waite Sr. had resigned and was replaced by lead vocalist Dennis Seton.
Who was Frederick Waite Jr?
Musical Youth member Frederick Waite Jr. died at the age of 55. When a fan paid tribute to a deceased musician. “We are saddened to announce the passing of Musical Youth drummer Frederick Waite Jr.,” the group said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with him and his family at this sad time.
” Please,” the tweet ended, accompanied by a photo of a young, smiling Frederick. Details of the 55-year-old’s death are not yet available, but Birmingham City Council confirmed he died on July 20. British and Jamaican reggae, his band Musical Youth, had been in his 1979 death.
Formed in Birmingham, they formed the 1980s music scene.
The band is best known for his 1982 single His Pass the Dutchie, which reached number one on various charts around the world. Musical Youth consisted of vocalist/drummer Dennis Seton, keyboardist Michael Grant, and guitarist/vocalist Kelvin Grant.
Tributes to Frederick Waite Jr.
The band, best known for their 80s hit “Pass the Dutchie,” which sold over five million copies worldwide, had previously announced their passing at the age of 55.
Wait Jr. is a “music legend” who “has inspired many young musicians”, said the Birmingham-based band.
They were formed in 1979 with the members Dennis Seton, Michael Grant, Kelvin Grant, Mr. Wait Jr., and Patrick Wait.
Formed as a duo in 2001 by Dennis Seton and Michael Grant.
Pass the Dutchie became another popular hit as the band performed the song at the closing ceremony of his 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. It was also featured in the fourth season of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.
Reggae and bloomy band UB40 paid tribute to Waite on his Twitter account, writing, “R.I.P JR. How sad to hear this news.
“Our thoughts are with his family and his musical youth”.Many fans also expressed their condolences, saying, “Very saddened to hear of the passing of Frederick Waite Jr. His tribute to Birmingham’s musical culture. The contribution and legacy were cemented at the Closing Ceremony.” Another simply wrote, “The first record I ever bought.”
Thousands of fans paid tribute to Waits after the announcement
Many fans tweeted in Waits’ tribute: “RIP Frederick. The first record I ever bought was Pass The Dutchie. I was 11 years old, saved 25p a week in pocket money, and on Friday my grandfather paid for it.” and went to Rumbelows in Bromsgrove and bought one for myself. Thanks for the childhood memories.
Another poster said: “I’m so sorry to hear this, but my thoughts are with everyone who knew him. So proud of this band from Birmingham, so talented.
Formed in 1979, Musical Youth was the first black actor to have a music video on MTV.
Musical Youth performed their song “Pass the Dutchie” at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth He game on August 8, except for Waits, who died on July 20.
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They were best known for their number one hit singles “Pass The Dutchie”, “Youth of Today”, “Never Gonna Give You Up” and collaborations with Donna Summer on tracks titled “Unconditional Love”.
As the group grew in popularity, two albums proved to be huge successes and earned them Grammy nominations before disbanding in 1985.
They later reunited and the band performed Pass the Dutchie sans Waite at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games that month.
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