In an era when artistes recorded mutiple cover songs BB “Bibi” Seaton was among a select batch who composed original songs. He did so with The Gaylads, as a solo act, and for fellow artistes.

Seaton, who died Monday in London at age 79, is remembered for his prolific output that yielded classic songs like Joy in The Morning, Hard to Confess, My Jamaican Girl, and Lady in The Red Dress for The Gaylads; Accept My Apology as a solo act, as well as Freedom Street for Ken Boothe and Swing And Dine by The Melodians.

Deejay Dennis Alcapone, who knew him for over 45 years, said Seaton was “one of the greatest songwriters to come out of Jamaica. He was part of the three Bs, with Bob Marley and Bob Andy.”

Alcapone, who lives in London, told the Jamaica Observer that Seaton’s health had declined in recent months. He last spoke to him by phone two days before his death.

The veteran toaster added that it is disturbing he never received a national honour in Jamaica.

“Bibi got no accolades from Jamaica. Nothin! Look at all di songs he wrote, an’ him get nuthin,” Alcapone stated.

A past student of Cornwall College, Seaton (real name Harris Lloyd Seaton) had settled in the United Kingdom during the 1970s. He remained active as an artiste throughout Europe and also produced songs by other acts.

He is best known for his work with The Gaylads, which included Delano Stewart and Maurice Roberts.

“We used unison in harmony. Not everybody was doing that…Delano was a magnificent singer; Maurice was very talented,” he said in a 2016 interview with the Observer.

Stewart, now 77, lives in New York City. Roberts died in 2015.