As a DJ he is a true legend. http://www.bristol247.com/channel/news-comment/people/obituaries/obituary-dj-derek
Yeah just seen it. Weird, as i'd never heard of him until a couple of days ago, when I heard a radio thing about him, by Don Letts. Mad. RIP Derek
Him & Dave Rodigan were the two high profile white guys on the reggae scene. There are / were a lot more, less well known ones. I know a blind guy called "Sid James", who DJ'd in Notting Hill & Chapeltown / Harehills Leeds. Bought a lot of records off him. He knows his onions, though, no bargains.
don letts said this thing about the early days, when he would do his sets behind a screen, because he was white. then would reveal his true identity at the end of sets. dunno if it's true, but sounded like a great story..
RESPECT ... he got a lot from the lack community too, but it will have taken some earning. A similar situation to Charlie Williams, working down the pit, playing football & eventually entering comedy.
