Jackie Estick has passed away

The same day the reggae world lost Phil Pratt, another figure in the early days of Jamaican music slipped away quietly at Kingston Public Hospital. The name Jackie Estick might not be the first to pop up when people talk about those days. But if you’ve spent time digging into the roots of ska, you should know him.

Back in 1958, when ska was just finding its feet, Estick stepped into the studio with producer Clement “Coxsone” Dodd. His first cut was My Baby, released on Worldisc. From there, he became one of the earliest voices linked to what would grow into the mighty sound of Studio One.

He continued to record tunes like Daisy I Love You, Since You’ve Been Gone, The Ska, Baby Please with Duke Reid, and Boss Girl with Prince Buster. Real early material. But he wasn’t just a singer chasing hits. He guided sessions. He prepared albums. He helped shape projects for Studio One when the label was building its legendary catalog.

And Estick was always thinking bigger. He started his own Estick label, then Wayne Records, and a few others. And beyond Jamaica, he launched Guyana Records, building bridges between Kingston and Georgetown. He was also a journalist and an artist manager. A man who understood the business from every angle. Since 1958, he stayed active, steady, and committed.

Some names make noise. Others build the foundation reggae music stands on. Jackie Estick was one of those foundation men. And if you love this music, that’s what matters.