Max Romeo, a prominent reggae singer known for his evolution from sexually charged hits to politically engaged music, passed away on April 11 outside Kingston, Jamaica, at the age of 80. His lawyer, Errol Michael Henry, confirmed that the cause of death was heart complications.
Born Maxwell Livingston Smith on November 22, 1944, in Alexandria, Jamaica, Mr. Romeo was part of a generation of musicians that included Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, who shaped the roots reggae sound that focused on the lives of ordinary Jamaicans and incorporated themes of Black liberation and Rastafarianism.
Initially, Mr. Romeo gained fame with explicit songs like "Wet Dream," which reached No. 10 on the British singles chart in 1968. However, he later expressed dissatisfaction with this aspect of his career, stating he felt compelled by producers to create such content. In the early 1970s, he embraced Rastafarianism and shifted his focus to songs addressing the political and social issues of Jamaica.
His work during this period, including tracks like "Revelation Time" and "Chase the Devil," resonated with the left-wing People's National Party and its leader, Michael Manley, for whom Mr. Romeo campaigned during the 1972 elections. His collaboration with producer Lee (Scratch) Perry led to the acclaimed album "War Ina Babylon" in 1976, which solidified his status in reggae music.
As political tensions grew in Jamaica, Mr. Romeo faced challenges and relocated to New York City. He returned to Jamaica in 1989 and continued to produce music, releasing 17 more studio albums over the next three decades and maintaining an active touring schedule, including a tour in 2023 that spanned 56 cities.
Despite his enduring popularity in Jamaica and Europe, Mr. Romeo struggled to achieve the same level of success in the United States. He contributed to various projects, including the 1980 Broadway musical "Reggae" and worked with notable artists like the Rolling Stones, but mainstream recognition eluded him.
Mr. Romeo is survived by his wife, Charm, 11 children, including notable singers Xana and Azizzi, as well as three sisters, three brothers, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Throughout his life, he remained committed to his Rastafarian beliefs, viewing them as the foundation of his musical career.
"I made a pledge to Jah that every time I open my mouth, I must be giving praise," he stated in a 2019 interview, emphasizing the importance of positivity and faith in his work.