Victor Willis, the influential reggae journalist whose writing helped elevate the genre to international prominence, has died at the age of 72. His family confirmed his passing on Thursday, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Champion of Reggae
Willis began his career in the 1970s, writing for small London-based publications before joining the staff of the weekly music paper Sounds in 1976. There, he became one of the first journalists to cover reggae music seriously, interviewing many of the genre's leading figures including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Lee "Scratch" Perry.
According to his former colleague and friend, journalist John Masouri, Willis was "absolutely instrumental" in bringing reggae to a wider audience. "Victor had an encyclopedic knowledge of the music and a genuine passion for it," Masouri said. "He was never interested in just the big names; he wanted to tell the stories of the culture and the people behind the music."
Global Impact
Willis's work extended beyond the UK. He wrote for international publications and contributed liner notes for numerous reggae reissues. His 1985 book, Reggae: The Story of Jamaican Music, is considered a seminal text on the subject, selling over 50,000 copies worldwide.
In 1990, he moved to Jamaica, where he lived for a decade, immersing himself in the island's music scene. He continued to write and broadcast, hosting a popular radio show on Irie FM that reached an estimated 200,000 listeners weekly.
Legacy
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. The reggae band Steel Pulse called Willis "a true ally and a voice for our culture." The Bob Marley Foundation described him as "a bridge between Jamaica and the world."
Willis is survived by his wife, two children, and three grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for later this month in London.
