Osbourne "King Tubby's" Ruddock, the legendary engineer whose imagination enhanced reggae's sound, will be remembered during “Sound System Club Presents --- Firehouse Crew and Friends Tribute to King Tubbys 31 years since his Passing”, a show scheduled for March 27 in Kingston. 

The virtual event will be streamed live from the King Jammy's recording studio in Waterhouse, the community where King Tubby's operated his fabled studio. 

Some of the artists confirmed to perform are The Firehouse Crew, Dean Frasier, Thriller U, Anthony Redrose, Courtney Melody, Duane Stephenson, Autarchii, Lutan Fyah, Turbulence, Miriam Simone, Jahbar I and King Jammys Sound System. 

Paul Scott, who was managing director of King Tubby's Music Ltd at the time Tubby's was murdered in February, 1989, is chief organizer of the show. Based in London, he says the tribute is a long time coming. 

He stressed that "Sound System Club Presents" will be held annually. The inaugural staging will be more than music; it is a call for Jamaica's government to recognize King Tubby's contribution to the country's music. 

"I am shocked that he has never received a national honor. It is a disgrace that someone who has contributed so much to reggae music, sound systems, dancehall and the Jamaican economy by way of fans of his coming to the island in droves over the years, has not been recognized," said Scott. 

King Tubby's, who was 48 when he died, was an innovator of dub and roots-reggae. He worked on albums and songs by artists and producers such as Augustus Pablo, Yabby You, Jacob Miller and Bunny Lee.

Howard Campbell