Music producer Donovan Germain has compared Peter “Peetah” Morgan’s death to the tragic loss of Garnet Silk, another roots-reggae singer who died 30 years ago.

Morgan, lead singer of Grammy-winning band Morgan Heritage, died on February 25 in the United States at age 46. No details have been given about the cause of death.

Germain, who produced songs by Morgan Heritage, told the Jamaica Observer that, “I’m still trying to process the news of Peter’s passing.”

He added: “Some situations leave you scratching your head and speechless. I’ve worked with Peter over the years and it was always a pleasure to be in his presence. This is another colossal blow as it was with the passing of Garnet Silk. Condolence to the Morgan Heritage family. Walk good, Peter.”

Head of Penthouse Records Germain also produced a number of songs by Silk, who was killed in a fire at his mother’s home in December 1994. He was 28 years old.

Dr Dennis Howard, a long-time associate and friend of the Morgan family, hailed the entire Morgan clan.

“This is a hard blow to, firstly, his family and the music fraternity. On a personal level, I have worked with the family at various levels, including artiste development, publicity, and part of the East Fest [show] team, so I have lost a family member. Sending love to his siblings and children. Peter’s legacy as a great singer and musician is secure.”

VP Records, which distributed Don’t Haffi Dread, arguably Morgan Heritage’s best known album, also paid tribute to Peetah who led the band on songs such as that set’s title track, She’s Still Loving Me, Down by The River, and
Tell Me How Come.

In a release, the company said: “It is with deep sadness that we join the family, friends, and fans of Peter Anthony Morgan (Peetah) in mourning his passing.

“As lead singer and co-founder of the Grammy Award-winning family musical group, Morgan Heritage, Peetah has been a part of the VP Records family for many years. Along with his siblings Una, Gramps, Lukes, and Mojo, and Father Denroy, he contributed greatly to our success and to our shared mission to spread reggae music and its message of love throughout the world.

“Among those successes, their chart-topping albums Full Circle (2006), More Teachings (2007), and Three In One (2003) are among the key titles in the label’s catalogue. The group went on to win a Grammy award for Best Reggae Album in 2016 for Strictly Roots and continue to tour globally.

“Peetah has left us much too soon. We send heartfelt condolence to his family and fans,” said Randy Chin, president of VP Records, in the statement.