Jamaican music icon Wilburn Theodore “Stranger” Cole has died.

In a post on social media, Culture Minister Olivia Grange paid tribute to the veteran entertainer stating that for more than six decades, Stranger helped shape the sound and evolution of Jamaican music from Ska through Rocksteady to Reggae.

She says Cole’s timeless hits include “Bangarang”, “Rough and Tough”, “When You Call My Name”, “Just Like A River” and “Run Joe” adding that “Bangarang” is widely regarded as one of the earliest recordings of the Reggae genre.

Ms. Grange extended her condolences to Cole’s family and friends, the wider music fraternity and his fans around the world.