It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Hopeton James. After battling the effects of four strokes over the last three years, the respected St Mary–born reggae singer passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025. He was 65.

Born in Kingston in 1961, Hopeton came up at a time when Jamaican music was shifting fast. Roots reggae was strong, digital sounds were creeping in, and singers had to be versatile. He was exactly that. By the early 1980s, he’d already made a name for himself as a smooth, confident vocalist who could move between soul, roots, and early dancehall without losing his identity. On his various records he showed that he was a singer with range and heart.

Most fans remember him as “The Medley King,” a title he earned, not borrowed. His work at King Jammy’s studio produced some of his strongest material, including Ready To Rock and the unforgettable Sure Shot Medley. Hopeton had a real love for classic soul, and he knew how to translate that feeling into a Jamaican context without forcing it.

He later became closely linked with Winston Riley’s Techniques label, where he became a steady and respected presence. The songs he recorded for Winston travelled far beyond Jamaica, finding homes in sound systems across the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.

Over the years, Hopeton also worked with international labels, including France’s Heartical Sound and Switzerland’s Fruits Records, releasing tracks such as Chain Gang, Magic Touch, The Stalker, Heartbeat, and It’s Just A Wonder. Tracks like these reminded listeners why his voice mattered. Warm, expressive, and honest, it was the kind of voice selectors loved to drop because people always reacted.

Although health struggles slowed his output later in life, Hopeton James remained loved and respected within the reggae family. Those who knew him speak of a gentle, humble man, someone whose music carried both sweetness and soul.

Hopeton James leaves behind a deep catalogue of songs and a global family of fans. He’s survived by his wife, Patsy, and by a community that will always hold space for his music.

(Photo contributed)