Dread At The Controls - Mikey Dread

Radio Revolutionary. Dub Scientist. Reggae Icon.

Dubmatix

Jun 08, 2025

Transcript

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He wasn't just an artist. He was an innovator, a disruptor, and a bridge between reggae, dub, and punk.

This is the story of how a quiet youth from Port Antonio transformed reggae radio, launched a label, recorded dub classics, and even helped reshape the sound of The Clash.

Early Life & Radio Breakthrough

Real name: Michael George Campbell
Born: June 4, 1954 – Port Antonio, Jamaica
Died: March 15, 2008 – Stamford, Connecticut, USA

Mikey was obsessed with electronics from an early age. While other kids were playing ball, he was building homemade transmitters and tuning in distant radio stations.

By the time he hit Titchfield High School, he was running their student radio. After that, he studied electrical engineering at CAST (College of Arts, Science and Technology), now the University of Technology, Jamaica.

In 1976, he landed a job as a broadcast engineer at JBC (Jamaican Broadcasting Corporation) — but what he wanted was to change what was coming out of the speakers.

“Dread At The Controls” Is Born

JBC’s playlists were dominated by foreign pop and soul. Mikey pitched them a bold idea: a show that played only Jamaican music — roots, dub, and conscious reggae.

Against the odds, they said yes. The late-night show “Dread At The Controls” became an instant underground hit, full of:

Exclusive dub tracks
Local artist spotlights
Mikey’s signature patter and radio FX
Sirens, echoes, and tape delays in real time

It wasn’t just a show — it was a sound system on the airwaves.

Legacy & Influence

Mikey Dread wasn’t just a DJ or a singer. He was:

A cultural ambassador of reggae
A technical innovator in radio and production
A DIY inspiration for generations of producers
A dub visionary who brought analog FX to the forefront

From his echo-drenched intros to his lyrical chants about education, politics, and daily life, Mikey’s fingerprint is on reggae, dub, punk, and modern bass culture.