Today is 7 years that Roman Stewart has passed on, do I have to sit around and shake my head again in sorrow, shame and pity. Year after year, it is like pulling teeth to get radio personalities to purse their lips on their radio program to remember Roman Stewart. I sometimes wonder if these radio personalities know their reggae music history or care to know. Do they take time out to research or interview elders in the industry to learn? I guess not. All you hear most times is a bag of noise and/or chat. When I do meet up with them - those with whom I can relate to, they can tell you that I always tell them like it is, as I am not one to hold back.
TO THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW, IF THERE WAS NO ROMAN STEWART THERE WOULD NOT BE A DENNIS BROWN. Yes read my caps. Roman taught Dennis to sing. Listen to Dennis, Watch Dennis, See Dennis performances - who do you see - YES ROMAN STEWART.
THE MAN, a/k/a ROMEY, MR. SPECIAL
Born in May 11 1957, Roman Stewart at a tender age would sing on the streets and at the pier where cruise ships docked. His friend Freddie McGregor would collect the money that people gave them. In 1968, he was just 11 years old when he did his first recording "Walking Down The Street". In 1974 Roman got his first hit song "Hooray Festival", followed by "Hit Song" in 1976.
The early 1970's was good to Roman wherein he started recording more songs for well known producers (Glen Brown, Derrick Harriott, Everton Da Silva, Phil Pratt and Linval Thompson) It is said that his best known tune is "Rice and Peas" recorded in 1979 for Linval Thompson. In all Roman recorded more than 70 singles and two albums by himself and endured a career of more than 30 years.
Roman moved from Jamaica to New York in 1976, he recorded some songs, dubs and did shows. The latter he was known to do especially when his friends arrived in town most of for free of charge.
On January 25, 2004 Roman a/k/a Romey died of a heart attack at the age of 46. Prior to that night Roman attended a show to see his good friend Freddie McGregor. Thereafter, he attended a birthday party where he sang two songs. It is said that when Roman attempted to sing his third song, he placed the microphone down and complained of chest pains. He later collapsed and was rushed to the hospital in a coma.
Roman had regain consciousness after an operation lasting several hours and it is said that Roman was heard saying "If I get through this, I'm going to change my life." Later he went into a second coma, as we sat and waited in E2 Studios (Ed Robinson's Studio) praying and hoping for the best, we received that call from Yvonne Young the call we really did not want and she informed us that Roman had passed on.
I know that Roman is probably up there looking down at us with that kool aid smile about to make a call to all sound-men saying "hey I got D Brown and Alton here, how much dub you want". Always the jovial hustler - our Romey. Gone but not forgotten.
