Kelvin Grant: Last News

Frederick Waite Jr, who was a part of the band Musical Youth, has died aged 55.The star famously played drums on the band's megahit Pass the Dutchie.Musical Youth took to Twitter to break the sad news of Frederick’s death, as fans paid tribute to the late musician. “We are sad to announce the passing of Musical Youth’s drummer Frederick Waite Jr,” the group’s statement read.“Our thoughts go out to him and his family during this sad time. “We have lost a musical legend, who inspired many young musicians over the last 40 years. “Rest in eternal peace,” the tweet finished, with a picture attached of a young and smiling Frederick.Details surrounding the 55-year-old’s death are not yet known, but Birmingham City Council have confirmed he died on July 20.British-Jamaican reggae band Musical Youth formed in 1979 in Birmingham, making their mark on the 80s music scene. The band are best remembered for their 1982 single Pass the Dutchie, which achieved the number one spot on various charts around the globe. Musical Youth consisted of lead vocalist and percussionist Dennis Seaton, keyboard player Michael Grant, and guitar player and vocalist Kelvin Grant. The band also included Frederick on drums and his late brother Patrick Waite on bass guitar.Patrick tragically died from a heart condition in 1993 when he was aged just 24. In their heyday, the band recorded two albums and earned a Grammy Award nomination before disbanding in 1985 after a series of tragedies and personal problems.In 2001, Dennis and Michael returned as a musical duo, while Kelvin pursued a solo music career.Musical Youth’s other hits include Youth of Today and Never Gonna Give You Up, which is not to be confused with Rick Astley’s hit of the same name. The band

MUSICAL Youth drummer Frederick Waite Jr has tragically died aged 85. The 1980s music legend was behind number 1 hit Pass the Dutchie, which recently featured on Stranger Things.

Michael Jackson also took a shine to the boys.Jackson invited the boys round to his house where they met his chimp Bubbles and pet snake Muscles.They also met many other superstars including Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Prince and made a film with 1980s acting legend Mr T.It is 40 years since Pass The Dutchie was released to great acclaim and much has happened to the band along the way.It is a story which started so brightly but the Musical Youth flame was to burn out quickly and the band had gone their separate ways within three years.Musical Youth were made up of brothers Patrick and Freddie "Junior" Waite and Kelvin and Michael Grant, with Dennis Seaton rounding off the group.The boys, aged between 11 and 15, formed their band at school in Birmingham.They all came from musical families and began by playing mostly in West Indian working men’s clubs. But it was the release of Pass The Dutchie which catapulted them to worldwide fame.Musical Youth had signed to MCA records in 1982 after being talent-spotted.