Laurel Aitken, often referred to as the Godfather Of Ska, has died after suffering a heart attack - he was 78. Born in Cuba, raised in Jamaica, and UK based from 1960, Aitken was at the forefront of the Ska movement, initially releasing records via Island. More recently based in Leicester, he continued to perform with a number of ska bands.
Commenting on Aitken's death, Mark Wyeth, promoter of the Club Ska live music nights, told reporters: "Laurel was a great man and a good man, the Godfather Of Ska and someone who was deeply loved."