Albert Griffiths, the inspirational leader of The Gladiators, died on December 15 in his native St. Elizabeth parish, Jamaica. The singer/songwriter, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease over 10 years ago, was 74. 

Anthony Griffiths, one of his eight children, confirmed his death which came at home. 

Griffiths was a session guitarist at Studio One in the mid-1960s before launching The Gladiators in 1968. That year, they had a massive hit with "Hello Carol" which remains their signature song. 

Popularly known as Youth, Griffiths wrote most of the band's hits including "Hello Carol", "Bongo Red" and "Roots Natty Roots". He led their revival during the 1990s when they became one of the best touring bands in reggae. 

The Gladiators, with most of its longtime members, continued to tour with singer Droop Lion after Griffiths stopped performing in 2005 due to ill health. Anthony Griffiths and his brother Al, on drums and vocals respectively, also tour with a version of The Gladiators.

Written By Howard Campbell