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DJ Derek Has Died

DJ Derek Has Died

DJ Derek Has Died

DJ Derek Has Died

Derek Serpell-Morris, aka DJ Derek, has died, the BBC reports. He was 74 years old. Last July, Derek’s family reported him missing. A body was found outside Bristol, England last week. After a post-mortem proved inconclusive, DNA tests confirmed the remains belonged to Derek.

Derek was born in Bristol. In the late 1970s, he began DJing at places like Bristol’s Star and Garter pub, where he became known for playing records by black artists in genres including reggae, dancehall, and ska. During his career, he played at pubs and clubs all over England, including festivals such as Glastonbury. He officially retired in 2013.

Derek was widely respected in the English music scene. In 2010, he appeared in the video for Dizzee Rascal’s “Dirtee Disco.” In August, Massive Attack’s Daddy G performed at a fundraiser to raise resources to find Derek. Portishead’s Geoff Barrow also tweeted his support for the search. 

Avon and Somerset Police said they were not treating his death as suspicious.

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