Stranger Cole, a pioneer ska/rocksteady singer known for songs like Bangarang and Just Like A River, died at the University Hospital of the West Indies on Thursday. He was 83 years-old.

His son, drummer Wilburn “Squiddly” Cole, confirmed his death in an interview with Observer Online. He said his father was admitted to hospital two weeks ago after ailing for some time, but did not disclose a cause of death.

Last December, Stranger Cole did six shows in Australia, where he had a loyal following through his songs from the 1960s. He was also popular in Europe.