Lloyd Charmers Passes Away at 74

According to an article in the Jamaica Observer, Lloyd "Charmers" Tyrell suffered a heart attack and died in London on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at the age of 74. Charmers was a key ska and early reggae singer, songwriter, keyboardist for acts such as The Charmers, The Uniques, The Hippy Boys (when they worked for Lee "Scratch" Perry, he also named them The Upsetters; in addition, The Hippy Boys recorded with Max Romeo), and Lloydie and the Lowbites--as well as a producer for Ken Boothe ("Everything I Own") and Marcia Griffiths ("Play Me").

Charmers is perhaps best known for the classic "rude reggae" track "Birth Control," later adapted by The Specials for "Too Much Too Young" (which--as all 2 Tone fans know--advocates the use of condoms).

Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.

Update: There is a terrific tribute to Charmers on the Trojan Records website.

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