Frederick Waite Jr., 55, is dead

Frederick Waite Jr., a star of Musical Youth who played drums on the band’s megahit “Pass the Dutchie,” has away at the age of 55.

It was announced today by the British-Jamaican reggae band that Waite died away on July 20 in Birmingham. Waite was a member of the band.

There has been no statement on the cause of death.

The band Musical Youth issued a statement in which they said, “We are heartbroken to report that Musical Youth’s drummer Frederick Waite Jr. has passed away.”

During this difficult time, we are keeping him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

We have lost a musical great who, over the last four decades, served as an inspiration to many aspiring artists.

This is a brand-new piece of breaking news. More to come in a moment.