The global reggae community is in mourning following the sudden death of singer Leroy Gibbon, who passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 74. The cause is suspected to be a heart attack, which occurred after he collapsed at a recording studio in Hanover, Jamaica.
Born on September 18, 1950, Gibbon’s music journey spanned decades and continents. He rose to prominence in the mid-1980s with a distinctive Lovers Rock style and a powerful, soulful voice that captured the hearts of fans worldwide. He became a key figure in the King Jammys camp, performing regularly on the King Jammys sound system and releasing the acclaimed album ‘This Magic Moment.’
Though born in Jamaica, Gibbon spent over 50 years living, creating, and performing in Canada, where his influence on the reggae scene ran deep. Tributes have poured in across social media from fans, friends, and fellow artists. Many reflected not only on his musical legacy but also on his kindness, humility, and passion for the craft.
Promoter TripleA Liz shared a heartfelt message: “Farewell my friend, you will always hold a special place in my heart. We spoke two weeks ago—you were looking forward to your tour in Europe. One Love to an icon.”
Singer Winston Hewitt added, “You will be missed big time from the reggae musical family worldwide. You will always be one of my favorite reggae artists and a respected musical friend. My sincere condolences to all your family and friends. R.I.P. my brother.”
Fellow reggae artist Leroy Brown, who last saw Gibbon just weeks ago, reflected on their shared history. “He was a good all-rounder, nice bass singer, and great tenor. We had a lotta good times in di early days,” he said. “We lost another great artist.”
In recent years, Gibbon had turned his focus to gospel music, working with The Gospel Proclaimers—a return to the spiritual roots of his career, dating back to the 1970s.
Tributes have highlighted Gibbon’s generosity with his time, his gift for performance, and his unwavering dedication to his fans. JUNO Award winner Kairo McLean described meeting and performing with Gibbon as “mind-blowing,” adding, “You get to rest in paradise with JAH after a long life of working the stage.”
Reggae artist Lascelles Douglas called him a “giant of an artist,” while community member Nessa St Louis remembered Gibbon singing in her childhood church and performing at Rebel Salute: “I’m sure that your music will live on.”
Elaine Thompson, Entrepreneur, radio host and longtime supporter of Gibbons, captured the sentiment felt by many:
“As an artist he was pure talent—in his delivery, sound, melody and presence. As a man, he was ‘a real one.’ Gwaan go fyah up Zion, Gibbons!”
Carrie Mullings, radio host and reggae promoter, reflected on Gibbons’ lasting musical legacy:
“Leroy Gibbons gave us some of the most memorable Jamaican hit songs Jammy’s produced. He toured the world with 80’s classics like ‘Cupid,’ ‘This Magic Moment,’ and ‘I’m in the Mood for Love.’ A jovial man who took music very seriously—that’s how I remember him.”
For those who knew him, Leroy Gibbons was more than a singer. He was a joyful presence, a serious musician, and a bridge between eras of Jamaican music.
As fans continue to share memories and tributes, one thing is clear: Leroy Gibbons’ magic moment isn’t over—it lives on in every note he ever sang.
