Today marks 9 years since the passing of IRIE FM and ZIP 103 FM’s founder, Karl Young.

Mr. Young died on June 10, 2010.

Karl 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 and “Boonoonoonoos Nights” in the 1970’s.

In the 1980’s, when all-inclusive hotels began to dominate Jamaica’s tourism scene, Mr. 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, 1990 Karl Young launched the all-reggae station IRIE FM which revolutionized the Jamaican music landscape and pushed reggae to higher heights on the world stage.

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