Ranking Roger From English Beat and General Public Dead at 56 [Video]

Roger Charlery, otherwise known as Ranking Roger, the singer and toaster from the English Beat, Special Beat, and General Public died on March 26 from cancer. He was 56 years old.

At the start of the year, Roger announced his condition. He said that when he was in the hospital for a stroke, it was discovered he had two brain tumors which he had surgery to remove. After that, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.

The Beat, which had multiple forms through the years posted on their Facebook page stating they are sad they had to announce that Roger died a few hours ago at his home. His family was with him.

The Beat, who was known as the English Beat is some territories because of a band with that name, came out in the 70s from the British Midlands. They were part of “2 Tone” revival.

Other bands in that genre such as The Specials, the Selecter, Madness, and the Bodysnatchers leaned more towards punk, the Beat incorporated reggae along with Dave Wakeling, the lead singer’s political lyrics.

Roger was a hypeman and toaster, known for his dancing, percussion, and raps/toasts which were copied by many.

Roger started his career as the drummer for the Nam Nam Boys. Later he became a member of The Beat (known in North America as The English Beat.) He appeared on the band’s albums “I Just Can’t Stop It” in 1980, “Wha’ppen” in 1981, and “Special Beat Service” in 1982.

After the band broke up in 1983, Dave Wakeling and Roger formed General Public with members from the Specials and Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

Roger recently completed his autobiography called “I Just Can’t Stop It” which is scheduled to be released later in 2019.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

TMZ: General Public, English Beat Singer Ranking Roger Dead at 56
Variety: Ranking Roger, of English Beat and General Public, Dies at 56
Billboard: The English Beat’s Ranking Roger Dies At 56

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