Toots Hibbert interview [UNCUT]

“You cannot exalt yourself” says a man whose modesty, faith and generosity of spirit are manifest in this 1995 interview. It is then, left for others to observe that the history of Jamaican music would be much poorer without the contribution of Toots and the Maytals. We start at the beginning, in Clarendon, where his church singing, he recalls, “made people joyful”. Age 13, a country boy in Trench Town, he discovers the Coptic faith. Learns the barbering trade, proceeds from singing while cutting hair to cutting dubplates (with King Edward), before coming under the tutelage of Studio One’s Coxsone Dodd. Years of chart success follow, notwithstanding a ganga bust and prison stretch (“54-46 That’s My Number”). We hear about the origin of the word reggae, the philosophical and spiritual outlook embedded in the name Maytal, and much more. Reggae historian and Blood & Fire co-founder Steve Barrow poses the questions, while D.J and filmmaker Don Letts keeps Toots in the frame-- and begs a coupla tunes.
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The Palm Channel will present some of the highlights from our catalogue, an eclectic mix of original short films, interviews from our archives exploring the roots and branches of Jamaican music, and much more.
Created by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell (Bob Marley, U2, Grace Jones etc.). Palm Pictures has always pushed musical boundaries and encouraged unlikely collaborations. Since the late 90's it has been a leader in the convergence of music and film, producing and distributing music documentaries, arthouse & foreign cinema, and music videos.

[@alexanderleuchte5132]

Rest in peace, your music will live on! Thank you so much for the music, such good vibes. Look at his eyes, full of love and he spread it throughn his art. One of the great

[@Sir.Calexfo]

One of Jamaica's greatest. Rest well in paradise Big Man.

[@peggyserdula7311]

What a beautiful soul. Such love coming from this man. Surely he will have a wonderful next life.

[@cookingwithsammi-easyjamai9040]

Talented, humble, genuine...one of the best! Walk good, the music lives on.

[@user-qh5yg8ps6l]

Toots you will be remembered for your inspirational contribution to the musical culture of Jamaica and the admiration the world showed for you.

[@brianriddell1122]

A TRUE LEGEND/PIONEER/ICON. MR FUNKY KINGSTON, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR POSITIVE INSPIRATION! MAY THE FOUR WINDS BLOW YOU SAFELY HOME. JAH LIVES IN ALL OF YOUR POWERFUL, SPIRITUALLY SUNG MUSIC!

[@kaenese9427]

May you rest in peace Toots HIBBERT thank you for your beautiful music will live eternerly ⚘⚘⚘⚘⚘⚘⚘

[@collethreid3810]

Age gracefully. Very humble man. Decent music...R.I.P

[@sesethuonika659]

After hearing about his passing, l revisited all my (Toots) albums. I'm currently playing playing them nonstop. MHSLO (May His Spirit Lives On). From the Royal Soldier. All the way from Azania (South Africa) 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@francisigbang7098]

Rip

[@marygiles5736]

I was listening to toots since I was14y years old always wanted to see him in person my songs daddy it was written down, pressure drop 5446thats my number ,.Rip continue singing in heaven

[@cloverlynthompson4782]

I love this Man, clean music no Garbage. God bless you Mr Hibbert.

[@briangolaub107]

music

[@chwillikies490]

R.I.P Toots Hibbert looking very young for his age. He lives on for ever with all his beautiful music. True talk my brebba many are call few are chosen. 😭😭😭😭🕊🕊🕊🕊😇😇😇😇 ❤💛💚 Ms 🇦🇬

[@surfnOB]

Thank you Toots, for everything you gave us. Never missed his annual shows for 30 plus years when he visited San Francisco. There’s not enough words for this loss of a cultural icon and Reggae Ambassador. “Was down in the valley for a for a very long time and I never get weary yet.” ✊🏾. Rest In Peace Nyah

[@judithwedderburn6564]

Powerful inspiring Toots. Spirit at work, thanks for this piece of our musical history. Judith

[@mr.theodore6489]

What a wonderful soul... This man has brought me so much joy over the years, I will listen to his music as long as I live.

[@blairboyd4982]

Nice interview Toots I know you from in the days of 1960s, your song really breaks you out.Was Bam,Bam in 1966 independence, and when you prison .The song 54 / 46 that my number, I remembered you were living by Windward Way my brother earl useto worked on your car as mechanic,from Sirgany Drive. I when your son useto go to Vaxhall junior secondary school at that time, I haven't seeing you in more than 30years. In 1969 festival song was a bomb, everywhere you goes in Jamaica is your song playing. I remembered the good old days when reggae music a say one, there was so many artists at the time ,more than a hundred good singers was around. I remembered the most popular ones who was a house named back in the days,and you were one.I remember when you sing this song Daddy reminia, seminia,that is my new name, big hit song. Long live Toots they should honour in Clarendon Pen,by naming a street in your name. That is what the government of sports and culture should be doing, started to name streets of the original musicians, and singers from the parish they are from to keep their names to be remembered. In the history of Jamaica for the younger generation, I am going to see if anyone is going to following up on it.

[@slicksupreme8780]

Legendary Respect I met you at linderst road a long time ago at the gastation you give me 1000 for tip never forget ' .... RIP To YOU LEGEND ..

[@sheerenegraham6702]

Awwww

[@pamellaalexander7753]

Beautiful interview! Enjoyed ! Beautiful humble man! Blessings to you and family! Hope royalties come your way and family! You helped to lift up Jamaica! Beautiful work! RIP with Christ Jesus! Thank you so much!

[@jacko3149]

R.I.P my Jamaican hero 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@frankmorris6691]

God bless this man...his music has made me feel happy for long time now

[@bancroftgroves2021]

True reggae pioneer, big up toots !

[@barringtondavis8630]

I'm a 60 years old man, who grew up in Trench town, at the time when Toots and the matals was and fire.Great days.

[@petetruther6978]

An extremely talented and humble soul who was a true pioneer. The world will always love Toots

[@mysticman9331]

Wonderful soul Toots was. Very spiritual. We will miss you!

[@patrickfrancis6508]

One of the 2 greatest Reggae icon,the other Bob Marley who died decades ago now sorry to have lost the creator of Reggae Music Toots Hibbert. His family should have persuaded him to put off touring until this Covid 19 was finished very sad to lose a real icon that way

[@josephwalleekendeh4320]

Indeed, he was a great man of many great music. RIP .

[@marygiles5736]

All rasta man should listen to this humble peaceful goodness love his interview

[@rixhie4991]

Toots Hibbert Thank You For Your Beautiful Soul and Music and Music R.I.P ❤❤❤

[@adalcarol4524]

"People believe in you, they believe in you, so you gonna do things". R.I .P, Great Voice.

[@ettaderizzio629]

My sincerest condolences to one of my musical heroes, "Toots." Apart from listening to his hits from way back then, in Janaica, which were so upbeat and always left a spiritual vibe in the bottom of my belly, this is the first time l am hearing his voice so up close. We have really lost a legend! I was really so emotional, thus morning, listening to his heart and his raw talent as he gave a few highlights of his famous hits!!! Much love to his family, and may someone, his daughter, maybe, keep his memory in music, alive. May his soul rest in peace. Etta DeRizzio.

[@taiwoabiodun9197]

To me , he's d greatest Reggae musician with educative, informative and meaningful lyrics.I am yearning to interview him here in America to send it to his fans in Nigeria.

[@erutty6400]

Rip sleep well jah jah ❤👌

[@kenhymes4900]

Tragic loss. **** covid. The greatest reggae singer of all time and one of the best working in any genre during his career. Never lost the joyful spirit of the original sound system music, through all the changes. So much range in his grooves and writing. A world of music in one guy. Such a loss.

[@khumagadi3378]

I love him... Thank you, brother Toots!

[@goodtobecaring4035]

JUST LOVED HIS MUSIC AND THE MAN HIMSELF SO TALENTED AND HUMBLE

[@newproduct8107]

This man never get old

[@glenoriapratt1794]

so true never grow old.

[@goodtobecaring4035]

humble and gifted

[@julietpaul2590]

Love you Toots my respect to u and all the other musicians from back in the days every time I’m cleaning ,cooking or bored I would listen to u and all the other reggae icons u

[@AaronWilliams-km2fg]

Man I love how humble he is.

[@pooznewz2632]

Rest in Soulful Peace Sir Toots!

[@clintonwilson5591]

Very good artist foundation one .almighty bless u toots.Rip.ur music live on for generation to come.bless u.

[@brianriddell1122]

A TRUE LEGEND/PIONEER/ICON/. MR FUNKY KINGSTON, THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR POSITIVE INSPIRATION! MAY THE FOUR WINDS BLOW YOU SAFELY HOME. O JAH LIVES IN ALL OF YOUR POWERFUL, SPIRITUALLY SUNG MUSIC!

[@leliethmorant7847]

Wow look at his eyes I miss him my dear cousin we all miss you rest in peace ,Angel's is watching over you rest well

[@leonsmith7068]

Toots! Wow! Wow!! Always cheer me up. One of the realist legends.

[@israelboyi2006]

TOOTS,YOU RE NOT JUST THE BEST WHEN IT COMES TO REGGAE MUSIC.YOU RE REALLY AND TRUELY THE BEST OF THE BESTS.YOUR VOICE,SONGS,ENERGY AND HUMILITY RE SECOND TO NONE.THE WHOLE UNIVERSE LL MISS YOU.RIP OUR DEAREST ND BELOVED.

[@maimericks80]

What a lovely person, always smiling . Just discovered him , what a treasure he was sorry I did not know him early been binge watching his interviews and music.

[@rqztaz]

Icon, legend, ambassador, hero, godfather

[@kennethdefreitas6845]

Toots one of the original man such a cool humble guy one love jag bless

[@elpashathe7royalmoabites627]

The Prophet, the legend Toots Maytal 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🆙🆙💯

[@justinsutton1261]

One of the best, real humble human being, was a real gift to humanity. " REST IN PESAE "

[@niallearly426]

Rip what a beautiful soul

[@sharnettegrant2622]

Soul rest rip

[@rusticization]

Rest in peace, Architect of Reggae.

[@darlenecalixte500]

What a humble,kind, sensitive, compassionate human being. Always wanted us to love each other help each other don't be selfish. He had all the qualities of Jesus. RIP ❤️

[@delainewihongi859]

He’s a shy guy, reserved as! Great brother!

[@naedosparta6151]

Rip legend toots u were really great

[@cperkins172]

❤I have listened to interviews with Jamaica’s foundation artist and one theme is common among all of them. They are humble and never seem to understand how their music has impacted the lives of people. They perform their craft and forge ahead, then leave this earth as humble as they came into it. This man is one of Jamaica’s icons. I am thrilled to have lived during his time.😊

[@ChroniclesofAlicha_Balaam]

Such a genuine person....welcome back to the Redwoods, King! Mateel welcomes u. So happy u are coming, will bring the vibe up!!!

[@leroysmith3593]

Bless up all paple

[@dannygeorge1928]

One of Jamaica’s greatest long may his music and his memory last, respect bro much love.

[@thenowchurch6419]

Don Letts is a very interesting interviewer. I like how he creates a lot of space and makes the whole vibe laid back and relaxed. Big up to Don and to Toots of course.

[@rhyssatterfield7487]

Ah yes the champion mc and toots

[@goodlife5462]

Humble Guy .R I P Love his music

[@iricaja]

The ageless Mr. Toots Hibbert. The real deal.

[@TheAnnaFisher]

Love this so much, thank you for sharing! He is cousin to the late great Joe Higgs.

[@sindybeac3899]

Toots you are sadly missed may your soul Rest In Peace.

[@tonybrown6496]

Humble lion, remember as a kid 54 46 hit the place like a storm respect elder"

[@beulahdavis4170]

RIP bro TOOTS.

[@maggieedward3951]

The legend Toots

[@ewancrooks452]

Live on in our hearts brother Toots 🇯🇲🇧🇴

[@dustyddrumologistdubreggae3066]

I have seen Toots 4 times live in the past, I remember one time he was playing at 1st Ave in Minneapolis, Minnesota same club Prince played at, he was getting of the bus, and I got to shake is hand, and he waved at me to follow him in the side door, into the club. I had a ticket, but for some reason I thought I was going to get in trouble or something, I regret it tell this day. Be I'm a drummer, Congo player, percussion's, keyboards and write songs. I no for a fact we would hit it off. He was a true super star like The Wailers, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Delroy Wilson, Johnny Osborne, John Holt, The Paragons, The Techniques, Slim Smith, Pat Kelly, Burning Spear, Jacob Miller, Frankie Paul, Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Lee Scratch Perry, he's is up there with all the best of the best, and is music will never die because it has to much meaning, and brings happiness and joy to are hearts!!!777

[@patsydavis2621]

Lovely Soul. His Voice. Heartfelt😊

[@carltoncampbell9342]

I remember my mother telling me if i know my school work like how i know his songs word for word i would be a smart kid

[@paulbennett909]

Toots, was a household, name back in the day, when radio ruled, one television station, Christmas Morning Concert, at the Carib Cinema. He was part of our culture. We just say, TOOTS

[@herbertpessoa6094]

RIP, Toots you were great living on earth we miss you may your soul rest in peace

[@saudakylambuka4848]

Delightful interview

[@paulinethompson3197]

He was a gift to Jamaica

[@njeriwachiraa]

Bless this man

[@quackster41]

Great musician!!!

[@toshmarley72]

The RASTAMAN ,you were born in a little shack with your poor family, BUT YOU NEVER GET WEARY, rest in PEACE, PERFECT PEACE, you took us through REVIVAL TIME and gave us SPIRITUAL HEALING, made us to GET UP STAND UP, made us do it with you many times with 54-46 THATS MY NUMBER, read us THE SIX AND SEVEN BOOKS. We got FUNKY IN KINGSTON , but never GOT WEARY YET now you PREMATUREly left us. AND you left us with lots of GOLD AND SILVER with your music legacy. Rest in eternal peace Mr POMP AND PRIDE.

[@glenoriapratt1794]

love how you wrote this.

[@inezsmall8474]

Walk good Mr. Hibbert 😭😭

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

Legend!! 👏🏿👏🏿

[@maxinerobb6441]

Real superstar toots love an respect Rasta man

[@AlexValdez-Rodriguez]

Forever grateful for you 🙏♾️💚💛♥️🌅

[@toshmarley72]

The best interview ever.

[@marygiles5736]

Rip toots you were the best.

[@taboo7tatoo257]

Toots is a Reggae Supernaturalist. Jah Bless

[@seagal84]

Long lived toots

[@sandybradshaw1879]

He (Toots) made such a positive impact. He seemed a bit uncomfortable doing the interview at some points though. He has a good spirit- trying to find the good even in bad situation.

[@lizmunt9116]

R. I. P. My hero. Love you Toots. X

[@julietpaul2590]

What’s your secret for keeping so young and so humble

[@misslou3624]

Very handsome man indeed. Rip bro

[@olittodunkley3511]

Rest in peace Toots, my parishiner and a musical icon.

[@margaretsmithtalk]

My goodness the man looks good ! 77 years old wow ! He takes care of himself !

[@evanszulu1755]

For sure he really takes care of himself, Jah bless.

[@angelablair252]

0rder of Distinction my brother great voice may your soul rest in peace

[@paulbucklebuckle4921]

Legend .

[@blackmamba-un2mv]

Big up mi boss toots Hibbert respect mi general.

[@marygiles5736]

When i got thr news of his passing it hit me hardas hardas Kobe's death soi decided to play his music all day.

[@sifisosibiya135]

Living legend,Jah bless

[@patriciabelgrave8318]

Toots is awesomely sweet.

[@rachellewalters8111]

Love Toots and the Maytals! Nice interview :) (I didn't know that he was no longer with us? :( )

[@jimmy19736]

rip sir toots great legend

[@robinrhodie1738]

OH TOOTS HEBERT GOD BLESS YOU BE REMEMBER GOD BLESS LIVING LENGED REGGIE MUSIC EMPEROR HAIL SELASSIE JAH RASTAFARI GIVE THANKS 🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲🇪🇹🇪🇹🇪🇹🦁 🦁🦁🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@BelgiumMusic6]

RIP Toots

[@omari484]

Rip to a another legend

[@trevorMT]

Legend

[@lynfearon494]

It's is sad to year off the passing of a greater pinear as a clarendon my selfies i am sad but God now best rest in peace daddy tuts r i p one love to the family

[@mysticalvibe9689]

Best child hood memories He gave us the greatest joy

[@brendailsley7140]

RIP Toots

[@glew6966]

RIP, Toots. Lost another great one...

[@ericabernard3076]

God bless his soul r.i.p. in legend