Legendary Jamaican singer, Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert, has died at age 77.
He passed Friday away on night at the University Hospital of the West Indies, having been in a medically induced coma for some days.
Toots fronted the reggae and ska band Toots & the Maytals from the early 1960s.
In a statement on Twitter, the group said the singer passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.
His death comes just weeks before the release of Got to Be Tough, the band's first full-length album in more than a decade.
On Tuesday, former Culture Minister Olivia Grange appealed for blood for the music icon.
Toots, a three-time winner of the Jamaica Festival Song competition, was one of the 10 finalists for this year with his entry Rise up Jamaicans.
He is credited with popularising reggae music and even naming the genre, with his 1968 single "Do the Reggay" being the first song to use the term.
Among his most popular tracks include Pressure Drop, Sweet and Dandy, and 54-46 That's my Number.
Toots Hibbert is survived by his wife of 39 years, “Miss D”, and seven of eight children.
Tributes
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in response to the passing of 'Toots' Hibbert, said he mourns with all Jamaicans at the news of the passing of the musician.
He said, over the years, added significant value to Brand Jamaica and many will remember him as one of Jamaica's best musical talents.
Opposition Dr. Peter Phillips has also expressed sadness at the death of Toots Hibbert, describing him as one of the most profound and thoughtful influencers and developers of Jamaican music.
He said the singer's contribution to Jamaican music spans a number of genres and the energy and style that he brought to his performances powered the music to unprecedented levels.
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