Karl Young C.E.O. of Grove Broadcasting, which owns and operates all-reggae station Irie FM and sister station Zip 103 FM has died.

He was reportedly recovering from lung surgery in a Chicago Hospital in the United States yesterday morning.

Media Association Jamaica head, Gary Allen said Young’s passing was a sad occasion.

“We’re particularly saddened by the news of his passing. Karl was known to us at the association as a very forthright person and committed individual. He was a pioneer and innovator, having been the creator behind Irie FM and Zip103 FM. His pioneering spirit and impact to radio will always be remembered,” he said.

Young’s career as a reggae pioneer has been characterized by innovation dating back to his days as owner and operator of the Kon Tiki Restaurant in St. Ann’s Bay in the 1960’s.

He soon moved into the entertainment business by establishing “Boonoonoonoos Nights” at the Pineapple Hotel in Ocho Rios in the 1970’s, which was later moved to White River and has been credited with being a major influence in turning Ocho Rios into a tourism hot spot.

In the 1980’s, when all-inclusive hotels began to dominate Jamaica’s tourism scene, Young ventured into music production with Grove Music, which recorded Grammy winning albums “The Little Mermaid” and “Calling Rastafari” by Burning Spear.

On August 1, 1989 Young launched the all-reggae station IRIE FM which revolutionized the Jamaican music landscape and took pushed reggae to the higher heights on the world stage

In 2002, he was inducted into the International Reggae and Music Awards (IRAWMA) Hall of Fame

Source: Go-Jamaica

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