Keith Brown, a leading player in the rock steady revival of the 1990’s, died in New York City on July 19 at age 82.
Brown and business partner Michael Barnett operated MKB Productions, promoters of the successful Heineken Startime and Startime shows for 18 years in Jamaica.
Heineken Startime had a golden run during the 1990’s, packing venues in Kingston and rural Jamaica as fans were re-introduced to music from the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Those live events resuscitated the careers of artists who were not seen in Jamaica for many years, including The Melodians, The Techniques, Eric “Monty” Morris and Joseph Hill of Culture.
Brown was a leading figure in Jamaican journalism and sports circles, having worked at the Gleaner newspaper and Television Jamaica as a writer and broadcaster. He also served as president of the Jamaica Boxing Board.