Reggae Guitarist Radcliffe “Dougie” Bryan Passes Away at 78

The reggae fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its most respected and quietly influential figures — Radcliffe “Dougie” Bryan, the veteran guitarist best known for his work with Toots and the Maytals and as a key member of The Revolutionaries. Bryan passed away in Florida on October 16, 2025, at the age of 78.

A native of Trelawny, Jamaica, Bryan’s musical journey spanned more than five decades, during which he became one of the most recorded guitarists in reggae history. His precision, tone, and intuitive understanding of rhythm made him a cornerstone of Jamaica’s studio scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s, playing alongside some of the island’s most revered musicians.

Bryan’s guitar work was a defining feature of the golden age of reggae. He played on countless recordings that helped shape the sound of Jamaican music — from the pulsating roots rhythms that dominated the era to the soulful grooves that carried reggae onto the global stage. He worked extensively with Toots Hibbert, performing with Toots & The Maytals for decades and contributing to several of their Grammy-winning and nominated projects.

In 2024, Bryan was formally recognized for his contributions when he was honoured at the Back 2 Da Future Music Limited’s Grammy Certificate Ceremony in Florida. There, he received multiple Grammy Certificates acknowledging his role in several award-winning and nominated albums, including Black Uhuru’s Anthem, Bunny Wailer’s Crucial! Roots Classics, Toots & The Maytals’ Got to Be Tough and Light Your Light, Jimmy Cliff’s Ska Father and Hanging Fire, and Sizzla’s The Messiah.

The recognition served as a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to the craft and his role in shaping the sound that carried Jamaican music across the world. It was also a moment of long-overdue acknowledgment for an artist whose work often played behind the spotlight but whose influence was deeply felt across generations.

Radcliffe “Dougie” Bryan’s passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican music. His technical mastery, rhythmic precision, and deep understanding of the art form made him a quiet architect behind many of reggae’s timeless hits. Loved and respected by peers and fans alike, his legacy lives on in the countless recordings and performances that bear his distinctive touch.