AS PER BABSEY GRANGE’S INSTAGRAM-
Grange pays tribute to Gil Bailey
Kingston, 13 April 2020 – “His contribution to the popularity of Reggae music in North America has been immense,” says the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, as she paid tribute to the late broadcaster Gil Bailey.
Gil Bailey died in New York today (Monday). Minister Grange said: “Gil Bailey was personal friend and we worked together for several years to promote Jamaica and our music in North America. Gil became known as the godfather of New York Reggae radio, but when he just started out in the 1960s no one was playing Jamaican music on radio in America. He came along and changed that by introducing Reggae music to American radio audiences. His contribution to the popularity of Reggae music in North America has been immense.
I am truly saddened by his passing and remain grateful for the role he played in the development of Reggae music.
I extend sincerest condolences to his family, friends and fans.”
4m
He was a legend in reggae music however he wasn’t a nice person. Him have AIDS, Diabetes, End Stage Renal disease so he did not have a chance to fight coronavirus.
What did his wife die from? Was it the Big A since you said he had it?
Seems like you have an axe to grind with the departed and this is not the appropriate time. Neither personality nor his illness has anything to do with the fact that anyone has passed on. Even an asthmatic or diabetic is no match for a virus whether it’s AIDS, covid-19/20, or the Common flu. Give a well wish for his family or none at all. Do better!
Gill Bailey must be over 90 years old?
Rest In Peace icon..Jamaican..legend.
You are a piece of shit!
Rest in peace, Gilbert Bailey.
Tell wi di back story nuh….u seem to have a lot to say.
You must be the piece of shit that post that he had AIDS a must your mother mouth him get it from.
Nope I just asked the question if his wife died from it…..how it bun u so?!?
@ 5.59 you dispecable piece of shite. How dare you come with your garbage of information at a time like this. The story was based on condolences to a person who contributed to the growth of reggae music in North America. For thousands of West Indians who lived in the United States, this man and his wife brought a sense of belonging; eased the pain of being away from your country of birth and provided the means where we could access our music. Every night at 11pm we would get ready to tune in our radios to hear the best music coming out of Jamaica, and we were never disappointed. While there were other radio disc jockeys, Gilll and Pat Bailey were the only one who played exclusively reggae music. At a time when racial prejudice were directed against West Indians, mostly by black Americans we welcomed this musical distraction. They paved the way so others could have taken up the mantle and continue to provide ex pats with music that reminded them of yard, our beautiful island.
So now that he has passed, it’s another legacy of ours which can never be replaced. I shall forever thank them for all the wonderful musical memories that I have because of the songs that I was exposed to and also through the parties they promoted which I attended.
Gill you are now reunited with your wife and daughter.
RIP
R Kelly is a music legend yet him have a dirty past that is being talked about. Whitney, MJ, same thing. How much time comments leave for Elephant man and the same sickness. What make Gil Bailey any different. Bailey wait til Pat dead and sell off the house with her name that she work hard for and didn’t t give her 5 children anything. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t a legend for dancehall music and his contribution to radio. He was not a nice person. Sorry to burst the bubble.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Death have no respect so I am not rejoicing. I am stating facts. Skip the comment and move on if you don’t like what being said.
When I went to America in the 1971 we could not find. Jamaica bread but we could listen to gill Bailey
This man passed away from Covid not AIDS.