Jamaican reggae singer Junior Murvin, best known for his hit “Police & Thieves,” has died, aged 64. The cause of death is currently unknown.
Keith Smith, Murvin’s son, says that Murvin, born Murvin Junior Smith, died in a Port Antonio Hospital Monday. While the cause of death isn’t clear, Smith said that Murvin was being treated for diabetes and high blood pressure. Time reports the cause of death will be determined at an inquest. Murvin achieved some success with the song “Police and Thieves” in 1976. A year later, The Clash covered the song, which appeared on the band’s self-titled debut album, Exclaim! reports. “Police and Thieves” first caught on in Jamaica and later in Britain, where the song found fans in the country’s punk-rock audience. It also became closely tied with the riots at the Notting Hill Carnival in 1976.
In a 2011 interview with United Reggae, Murvin said, “Tell my fans I wish the best for them and love them and I will always sing until my eyes are closed.”
