The May 25 edition of Strictly Roots will celebrate the music of “Junior” Byles who passed away May 15 at the age of 76.
The program airs 6-8 p.m. and streams here.
Born Kenneth Thaddeus William Byles, Jr., in Kingston, the singer began his career in 1967 as a member of the Versatiles, a vocal trio he formed with Louie Davis and Dudley Earl. They released a number of singles for Nu Beat, Crab and Amalgamated Records, amongst other labels.
Byles left the group in 1969 following the release of their most popular single, “Lu-Lu Bell,” opting to focus on going solo, but also working with Lee “Scratch” Perry.
Byles and Perry would collaborate on numerous singles between 1968 and 1974, including “Curly Locks” and “Beat Down Babylon.”