Gray | Owen

: He successfully navigated the shifts from the R&B-influenced ska of the 1950s and 60s to the soulful rocksteady era and the birth of reggae.

Owen Gray passed away on , at the age of 86. His death prompted a wave of tributes from fellow icons like Maxi Priest and Dennis Alcapone , who hailed him as a "pioneer" and a "founding voice" whose works would live forever. owen gray

: In 1957, he won the popular talent show "Vere John's Opportunity Hour," a precursor to modern shows like The X Factor . : He successfully navigated the shifts from the

Listen to the classic soulful sound that defined his career in this medley of hits: : In 1957, he won the popular talent

: Gray won a radio talent show at just nine years old and was playing drums, guitar, and keyboards by age 12.

Gray's soulful voice and adaptability made him a cornerstone of Jamaican music history.