Clancy Eccles, 64; Pioneering Reggae Singer and Producer

Clancy Eccles, 64, a pioneer Jamaican reggae singer and producer, died Thursday at a hospital in Spanish Town, outside the capital of Kingston. He had recently suffered a stroke, said his son, Clancy Eccles Jr.

Eccles started his career as a singer in the 1950s and rose to prominence with the 1961 hit song “River Jordan.”

In 1967, he turned to music production with “Kingston Town,” by Trinidadian singer Lloyd Creator. He produced many other records in the 1970s.

Eccles actively supported the campaign of Michael Manley in Jamaica’s 1972 elections, organizing a bandwagon with reggae stars that went around the island on the candidate’s behalf.

In 1976, Eccles produced the nationalistic song “My Leader Born Yah,” which paid homage to the prime minister’s socialist program.