DJ roots- remembering “The Ugly One”

He called himself “The ugly one”. Being born with a facial malformtion didn’t stop him from a lifetime of entertaining behind the turntables. Starting in the 1950s he’d pack around a giant metal locker filled with 45′s (Okay? anyone? Remember 45s?) He was truly a DJ pioneer. He was the granddaddy of the profession. After all he was the oldest living DJ in Jamaica. He entertained thousands, worked with the best of the Jamaican producers and spun vinyl relentlessly. They even said he helped to develop the vocal style known as “toasting,” which inspired American hip-hop.

Born Winston Sparks, the DJ known as King Stitt died yesterday at the age of 72.

Talk about “branding” with your individual style, this guy owned his brand. Take a look at the king’s work.