On Wednesday, January 31st, Carol Brown, a well-known Jamaican Canadian reggae vocalist, peacefully passed away in the presence of her loved ones at the hospital. Her daughter, Krystal Klair Mitoo, shared that Carol had been courageously battling stomach cancer, and sadly, she succumbed to her illness. Carol leaves behind a legacy that will endure within the heart of Canadian reggae music, for years to come.
Born in Port Antonio, Jamaica, Carol Brown embarked on a musical journey that would span decades and captivate audiences across the globe. From her early days as one half of The Loving Sisters duo, where she began winning talent shows at the tender age of 14, to becoming the resident female singer with the Tornadoes band alongside Junior Mervin, Brown’s talent was evident from the start.
In 1972, she migrated to Canada, where she continued to develop her solo career. However, her roots called her back, and in 1974, she reunited with her hometown band, now known as The Young Experience with Junior Mervin. Their performances across Jamaica, including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, garnered widespread acclaim, building a solid fan base, and showcasing Brown’s versatility.
Carol Brown’s presence on the Canadian reggae scene in the mid-1970s to the early 1980s was marked by unforgettable performances alongside esteemed artists like Yellow Man, Leroy Sibbles, and Sugar Minott. She graced stages from Montreal and Toronto to New York and England, sharing her soulful voice with the world. Her collaborations with iconic artists such as Alton Ellis, John Holt, and Beres Hammond solidified her status as a respected figure in the genre.
Her singles, including ‘Touch Me Baby,’ ‘I Won’t Hurt Your Feeling,’ and ‘Feel So Good,’ not only captured the hearts of fans but also made their mark on the British Reggae charts. Carol Brown’s contributions were further acknowledged with awards as Top Female Performer and Top Female Reggae Singer at the Canada Reggae Music Awards in the 1980s and 90s.
In 2019, she was rightfully honored as one of the Titans of Toronto Reggae, a testament to her enduring impact on the reggae scene. Her performances, filled with reggae originals, resonated with a sold-out Opera House, leaving an unforgettable imprint on the hearts of her fans.
Carol Brown’s musical journey may have ended, but her spirit lives on in the timeless melodies she shared with the world.
