Reggae singer Tony Tuff has died at 69

Reggae and Dancehall luminary Tony Tuff, renowned for his iconic track “Girl I’ve Got To Get You,” passed away on Saturday, April 20, at the age of 69.

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The sad news was confirmed through a brief statement shared on his official Facebook page that Saturday afternoon. “It is with sadness and deep regret that we announce the passing of Reggae Legend Tony Tuff. Tony, whose real name is Winston Morris, made a name for himself in Dancehall during its early stages,” the statement read in part.

While the cause of his passing was not disclosed, his daughter, Keina Sykes, honored her father in a separate statement, highlighting his enduring musical legacy and expressing gratitude for the support during their time of grief.

“His legacy in music will always be remembered, and his presence will be deeply missed. Your thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time would mean a lot to me and our family. Please keep us in your thoughts as we navigate through this period of grief and loss. Thank you for your understanding and love.”

Tuff’s musical career

Tuff’s musical journey began in 1969 as a member of the vocal trio The African Brothers, alongside Sugar Minott and Derrick “Bubbles” Howard. After the group disbanded in the mid-1970s, Tuff ventured into other endeavors before resuming his solo career in the late 1970s, with the album Tony Tuff Meets Errol Schorder, split with Errol Scorcher, and self-productions including the “I’m So Glad” single on his own Winston label.

He worked with Yabby You on the Tony Tuff album in 1980, and worked with Minott again on the 1981 album Presenting Mr. Tuff, released on Minott’s Black Roots label. He worked on several sound systems in the late 1970s and 1980s, including Lees Unlimited and Henry “Junjo” Lawes’ Volcano system. Lawes also produced several successful singles by Tuff including “Water Pumpee”, and “Mix Me Down”, and also produced his 1983 album Come Fe Mash It.

In 1990, Tuff achieved his greatest success with the track “Girl I’ve Got To Get You.” Produced on Donovan Germain’s rendition of the Studio One riddim “A Love I Can Feel,” the song, alternatively titled “The First Time I Met You” and “Got To Get You,” swiftly became a staple in Reggae circles. Alongside other tracks on the riddim such as Beres Hammond’s “Tempted To Touch,” Cutty Ranks and Beres Hammond’s “Love Me Haffi Get,” and Tony Rebel’s “Fresh Vegetable,” Tuff’s hit cemented its place as an enduring favorite within the genre.

After a brief break, he returned to music in 2000, and recorded several albums in the new millennium, including How Long, recorded with Jah Shaka. He toured Europe twice in 2002, before touring Canada and the United States.

He also reunited with his former African Brothers bandmate Sugar Minott for the 2004 album Mysterious Nature.