Toots Hibbert dies: Mick Jagger, Ziggy Marley and more stars react

Reggae icon Toots Hibbert, of Toots and the Maytals, has died at age 77. The legendary singer and songwriter, long credited as the “Father of Reggae,” “passed away peacefully … surrounded by his family” in Kingston, Jamaica, on Friday, according to posts on his social media platforms. Born Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert, Toots penned some of the most famous songs in the history of reggae and ska, including “Do the Reggay,” often cited as the reason the genre was named as such, “Pressure Drop” and “54-46 That’s My Number.” His family and management team had not announced the cause of his death as of Saturday, but he had recently been moved into intensive care after showing symptoms in line with COVID-19, according to the BBC. He was reportedly put in a medically induced coma prior to his death. Keep reading to see how Mick Jagger, Ziggy Marley and more stars are paying tribute to his life and contributions to music …

“So sad to hear of Toots Hibbert’s passing. When I first heard Pressure Drop that was a big moment – he had such a powerful voice and on stage he always gave the audience his total energy. A sad loss to the music world.” –Mick Jagger

“The Legendary Toots Hibbert has passed i spoke w/him a few wks ago told him how much i loved him we laughed & shared our mutual respect. He was a father figure to me his spirit is w/us his music fills us w/his energy i will never forget him RIP MIGHTY & POWERFUL NYAH FYAH BALL.” –Ziggy Marley

“I’d like to send my condolences to the Hibbert family for my dear friend Toots Hibbert who passed away on Friday. I have very happy memories of playing with him, a lovely man and a great talent. Here we are talking about his song ‘Pressure Drop'” –Ronnie Wood

“Sad to hear of the passing of Toots Hibbert. He was an early originator of Ska, Rock Steady and Reggae. Prayers and thoughts with his family and loved ones. God bless his soul.” –Yusuf/Cat Stevens