Clint O'Neil - The Godfather of Reggae Radio
1944 - 2004

Clint O'Neil, who brought reggae music to overnight radio listeners for over 20 years at WLRN 91.3 FM, died on Sunday, October 10, 2004 at the age of 60 in his Miami home. Clint's name was synonymous with WLRN's Sounds Of The Caribbean, heard Tuesday through Saturday morning. He popularized reggae music in South Florida and his popularity extended to the Islands such as the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad, Grenada and the Virgin Islands.

Clint O'Neil's longstanding ties to the American reggae fans began in the 70's when he worked as a DJ at a circuit of reggae nightclubs from Toronto to Washington D.C. He moved to Miami in 1978 and was encouraged by the world renowned Bob Marley to to pursue a career in radio broadcasting playing reggae music. He was also responsible for furthering the careers of numerous local singers, musicians and broadcasters from the Caribbean.

Related Links
• clintoneil.com

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I'm always going to remember Clint O's laugh, it was so full of life and I know now that he is laughing in Zion. Thank you for all you did for the music and the community and for providing the soundtrack for many sleepless nights. Love Ya Clint!

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Yes Clint O' Again I sound like a broken record, but THANK YOU for EVERYTHING that you did for me! Every South Florida dj/artist owes you a debt of gratitude that they can't repay! I'll remember when riddim-a-run, your head rocking, your feet tapping, and your body moving in time with the riddim. I hope that the reunion with Jah, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Garnet Silk etc is as righteous as ever. I pledge to continue your works and legacy itinually! Ital-K Co-Founder Afiwi.com & Host of "Sounds of the Caribbean" on WLRN 91.3fm in Miami

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Clint O' I will always remember you standing outside in the mornings making sure that I was able to enter the building safely. I will always keep you in my HEART as my big brother. Love Ya! Erlene

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I've know Clint O'Neil since I was 17. He always made me laugh whenever I saw him. Clint was a person who always smiled. He keep a positive attitude and that really rubbed off on everyone that was around him. Even though changes were going on in his life, Clint continued to smile. I did get a chance to see him before he left to go meet the father and I must say that he still had that positive attitude. Clint you will be missed, but your legacy will live on--- One Love Godfather

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I will always remember waking up in the early AM and listening to Clint O' hailing all the peoples' in the major cities around the world. Clint always brought out the positive music no matter where the artist came from. On a personal note Clint O' inspired me to write the song "One Race, Many Colours", and for that I have to thank the Almighty for giving us Clint O'. Yaweh Bless Clint O' and his family. One Love

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We Will Miss Him..

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You touched my life in so many ways that cannot be written in a few words. I am fortunate to have worked with you and been close friends with you. I truly call you my godfather and will always remember the good times we had together. Thanks for taking me under your wings, teaching me the trade, guiding me in the right paths and putting up with my stubborness at times. I know you will be closer than ever. I love you. Your Duchess of Sounds of the Caribbean ...

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All of us that have spent a night with Clint at WLRN are overwhelmed by his ability to do at least ten things at one time! He had a "smile" in his voice that touched everyone. His love of sharing his knowledge of the music was, I believe, a gift he gave to so many now known singers, DJ's, and people like myself that love the music which, because of Clint, now understand and are well versed in "Reggae". My friend, Clint. I love you.

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Your show carried me through many nights working the late shift. Continue to play good music and laugh my brother. You will be missed.

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Clint, I will surely miss you. I have your voice on so many tapes so I will never forget it. Thank you for promoting our passionate, messaged filled reggae music all over South Florida. May God preserve you Soul and Spirit forever.Thanks for the best Top 50 countdown every year.

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Thank you Clint for the listening pleasure you have given me during many long and sleepless nights. Thank you for the positive contribution you have made to society in both your professional and private life. Most of all thank you for being a kind, considerate gentleman. God Bless You Forever and Always.

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I will miss his humour and his kindness towards children in Jamaica, especially around Christmas. I hope someone tkes over his toy drive. In the past few weeks, Carribean people have suffered and lost so much. Clint O's passing is perhaps the most painful. My prayers are with his family and listeners all over.

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I received the news today from Dennis Alcapone, about Clint's passing,It was not long ago I was reading in a book intitled Reggae Heritage by Lou Godden about the great man. I myself had done many interviews on Mr O'niels shows, and will miss his kind ways, the way he shook his head, always had a good word for everyone, & always giving a helping hand. May the blessings of Jah B with him & his family always, & I hope Jamaica will not forget to honour him for all the good work he did for his country

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Maximum respect to the Godfather. He took Reggae in South Florida to a whole new level

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I met Clint in the early 1980's while vacationing in Miami. I did a show at UM that he emceed and we bonded from there. He absolutely loved the "Blues 88" cut from my debut album "Middle Passage." Everytime I saw him, he would comment on how powerful the work was. He would say, "Everytime I play "Blues 88" I get call from all over the place. It was because of this sentiment that I returned to this voice on my third album "Middle Passage." So, in retrospect, I give Clint thanks and the credit for helping me identify my strongest voice as a writer. Again I give thanks. malachi (dub-poet)

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On Behalf of the Dakari Music International Record Company located in Toronto < Canada, we would like to send our deepest condolences to Clint O Neil's family, friends and collegues. He was a great supporter of our label and our music.He was truly a pioneer and a Godfather of the reggae fraternity, as a countless promoter of reggae artists, music and the industry. God Bless his soul... On behalf of Leroy "Artist" Brown Founder and President of Dakari Music International Janet Millington Public Relations/ Marketing Bernie Pitters Musical Director

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YOU ARE THE BEST OF THEM ALL,NOW GO REST YOUR SOUL,YOUR WORK IS DONE.ONE LOVE

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I will always remember the timbre of Clint’s deep voice and the wonderfully atypical, infinite, open-ended nature of phone chats with Clint – none of the usual progression towards a conclusion to the conversation – never “gotta go, gotta cue something..” Instead, just hanging on the line, endlessly, a smile on his face and in his heart, seemingly without a care in the world. A man at peace with himself. He never ended the conversation and I had the impression that his program must have been on some sort of auto-pilot. You could talk to him forever about anything. He always had the time… He will be missed as a person, a voice, a pioneering reggae DJ, a pillar of the West Indian community in South Florida and a person who brought joy and needed items to needy children. May he rest in peace Itinually

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Clint O is a very special person who knows good music and promotes good music without partiality. It is a previlage for me to have known him personally and to receive advise and encouragement/promtion as a friend and Artist from him. He is the Godfather in name and nature, a true professional and a REGGAE AMBASSADOR. Such greatness with humility is indeed a blessing.

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I will never forget how you always had a warm smile and a laugh i will never forget. Give thanks for the nights i had you to listen to as i drove home late after a show. You will be missed love u

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This is a COMPLETE AND UTTER SHOCK. I just found out the sad news a few minites ago, and am in total shock right now. Clint O'Neil............................................................... I cannot express the words. He is and will always be a foundation legend of reggae music. The popularity of reggae and rastafari all over the world owes a huge debt to Clint O'. Without him........... Lord bless him, keep him. I am in total shock. I will never forget you Clint O'Neil. You introduced Bob to the american audience, you introduced reggae to america when even Bob could not, in spte of his best efforts. "Hail, Hail, Hail, this is your brother Bob Marley on stereo 91.3 FM"... Without you Clint, we would never have heard those immortal words from 1979, that live in the hearts of reggae devotees the world over. you are part of the very foundation of reggae, along with Brother Bob and his Wailers. I love you Clint O'. You ALWAYS made my day. Blessed Love Brother Clint O'. I am just totally in shock.I love you Clint O'. To those who never had the pleasure of spending the night listening to Brothe Clint: He is a Legend, and will always be. Today is a very sad day for me. Like Brother Bob said... we have to keep on moving. I love you Clint O'. I delivered newspapers from 2am-6.30am every day for about 3 months back in 2000, and it was only Sounds of the Caribbean that kept me sane, and looking forward to another day. This is a humongous loss, not just for the Caribbean community, but for all those for whom reggae music is a soundtrack for this experience we call life. Clint O'Neil is a seminal figure in reggae, a foundation member of the reggae pantheon that will never be replaced. We will always love you Brother Clint O'. God bless you my brother.

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total utter shock...Clint you kept me going thru the night from 1990 when I moved to Miami from Tampa. Working nights was the best as the godfather and sounds of the caribbean kept us going. Soca mondays 'allison hinds's bazodee'' and clint' laughter.. Pato Banton running lyrics rapid fire..Bob reminding us which station he listens to.. Artist from all over paying respect and introducing new tunes.. bouncing on a Thursday night to new dancehall beats from every sound system .., Sat morning Top 10.. Sun morning with "talking parrot"..Clint indominable spirit and racouis laughter.. Infective.. Stepping out wit Steel pulse meant time to go home.. Yes I it was special... He will forever be a part of my fondest memories of those late nights..... Peace be with you Clint O,, JAH BLESS

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I met Clint in New York City in 1968. We had both resently returned from serving in the armed forces. We became close freinds and did many great adventureous an fun things togather. Our freindship remained strong throughout the years. I last saw him in June of 2004 at a reunion Party in the Bronx NYC, we had a great time. I truely Love this brother, he had a great spirit. Thank you for your love, thank you for the music I know we will meet again at that place. Peace and Love

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It has been a long & JOYous RIDE with Clint O. Officially since 1983, I have been capturing him on the 120min cassette tapes. Clint O's show was always the after party on I-95 & in the parking lots. A friend just called to thank me for introducing him to Clint while we were at Disney a few years ago. The LAUGH is something else(LOL) I was doing his laugh in a nightclub up to last Saturday (mercy mercy). There is just so much to say...but all GOOD THINGS MUST GO ON. Everytime I celebrate I man earthday(10/09), I will also be celebrating another year for Clint O. One Love Brethren; "walk good" GodFather. Jah Bless...

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Clint....My promise to you is that as long as their is breath in my body I will continue to oppose any attempt to terminate "Sounds of the Caribbean". You have passed the torch to Ital and he must run with it, I do this out of respect for you as a man.

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More than a Godfather to all of us, you were truly an inspiration! Thank you for the paving the path for the rest of us on radio and in the media. We will ensure that your legacy lives on, while you keep spinning your records in a better place. 'Keeping the Vibe Alive'

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my brother,my partner,my friend..will be sadly missed.rest in peace clint.one love. to the family...please accept my deepest condolences.

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Thank you Clint, for your hard work and devotion to bring reggae, soca, and calypso fans all over the world great music. Thank you, showing us we can achieve all of our goals. We also appreciate your contribution to Jamaica’s needy kids. You will be missed. Rest In Peace Godfather One Love!

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Thanks Clint, for been a sense of inspiration for me, and many other Caribbean immigrants. Who came to this country (USA), and try to make a mark for ourselves, and make our island proud of the contributions we made. And this you have done to the full extent. Thanks again, and respect in every aspect GODFATHER CLINT ONEIL

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Thanks for the memories since moving to Miami in 1982. RIP

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Clint thanks for your contribution to the world of reggae and Caribbean music. I always appreciated your combination of humbleness and strength. Thanks for keeping the fans and listeners first

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Clint O'Neil had a very special warm spirit which I'm very thankful to have experienced. I began listening to his programme in 1999 when I started to work at the Miami Herald. When I heard of his passing, I can honestly say I was in a state of shock. However, I know he's in "reggae heaven" chatting it up with his good friend Brother Bob. P.S. I hope Fluffy is doing well;)(loyal viewers will know what I'm talking about. Jah Bless!

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I have so much respect for Clint. His persona was larger than life yet he was always so easy to approach and always willing to listen. I, like so many others, want to express my tremendous gratitude for all the great works that Clint tirelessly provided in so many ways. Had it not been for you.... We will miss you

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Give thanks CLint O'. I remeber when you first saw our band, Fourth Dimension you said, "You guys look like a rock n roll band" but you gave us support and showed us your love for music. You will be missed greatly. I know your torch will be beared righteously by Ital-K!!! THANK YOU

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The glint in his eyes, that special gait and the laughter in his heart with be with us forever.

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After moving as a teen to the USA in 1978 and trying to ween myself off of "Dread at the Control Tower" at night in Jamaica, Clint was a ray of home in this country. He is why I'm still around today. We spoke many nights, and many more, I just listened. Through teens, twenties, thirties et al. I am in shock, It was too soon. The ad that says, good music- $10, excellent DJ's - $1000, One Clint O' - priceless. The loss is great, One Love

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After moving as a teen to the USA in 1978 and trying to ween myself off of "Dread at the Control Tower" at night in Jamaica, Clint was a ray of home in this country. He is why I'm still around today. We spoke many nights, and many more, I just listened. Through teens, twenties, thirties et al. I am in shock, It was too soon. The ad that says, good music- $10, excellent DJ's - $1000, One Clint O' - priceless. The loss is great, One Love

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Deeply missed, forever in gratitude for the foundation set. -Nuff Besitos

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"I'm So Thankful" one of the title tracks produced by Clint, the song says it all... I'm so thankful to you Clint... my friend, my producer; he was like a father to me.Always there for me... I will forever continue to have him in my heart and will miss him terribly. Words cannot describe my sadness. My prayers are with his family..... love always..

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Clint O'Niel, if you hadn't appeared when you did, Reggae Music would have had to invent you. Mission Accomplished Bro! HUGH FRANCIS @ Jet Star

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A great loss to the Reggae music industry. Clint, you will be sadly missed by us all.

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Many early mornings as I made my way to work, I listened to Clint on the radio. I always wondered if I was the only person who felt so steadied by his distinct voice. Apparently not! He obviously reached a whole a lot of people from around the world. Thank you... You will always have a special place carved out in my memories.

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"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." -- Clyde Campbel Even though Clint Oneil is no longer with us physically, his influence, spirit, and legacy will live forever! Thank you for all the laughter and great memories. God bless.

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Clint O'...What can we say. I've stayed up many a nights listening to you spin. You had so many local sounds play on your program. You even let me come and spin a record or two. You always looked out. Jah Bless in your life and work. Now Rest.

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From all the V.I. Massive--ONE LOVE!

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Clint O. was truly a compassionate and caring individual. In 1989 my brother was murdered here in Miami. I grieved deeply for the loss of my only sibling and I cried for 3 days and 3 long nights. I remember being up those nights and listening to Clint O and I’d call him to request Bob Marley’s Johnny Was. He comforted me with his deep soothing voice and told me to try to stop crying. Eventually the cloud of grief passed me, but I credit Clint O. for helping me through a truly dark time in my life. My mother, who is now deceased, worked at Cedars Medical in the early 80’s. She always told me how proud she was to be a Jamaican when she’d hear the doctors humming Bob Marley’s tunes. Apparently, most of the surgeons would play Clint O. on the overhead sound system during the late night surgeries they performed, so they’d come out of the operating room whistling the reggae tunes they heard. Clint O. and Sounds of the Caribbean were the “groundation” for all on-air Caribbean music in South Florida. He will truly be missed. “Open Sesame, Here comes Rasta Man!”

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i SAW CLINT AT THE MARLEY FEST AS WELL AS THE PRESS RECEPTION FOR CRFEST. HE WAS VERY HELPFUL GIVING ME TIPS ON VARIOUS ENTERTAINMENT ADVANCES. I NEVER KNEW HIM BUT, MANY BLESSINGS STILL.

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Clint voice will be missed. i remeber coming to miami and missing the caribbean flavor, and his show was the only thing to light up my day.

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My friend Clint O, loved life, taught me to always love and cherish each day. never get mad, love everyone-famiy and enemies just the same. :) buy the car you want even if you can't afford the gas. Miss You Already.

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It saddened me when I heard about the passing of The Godfather. Im back in the Bahamas now but when I was in the US for college and I was not yet familiar with where to go in FL It was Clints show that filled that void. I remember having classes at 8am and the night before being up until 2am waiting for his show to come on especially on the thursday nights. some time I would pop in a cassette tape and record the Thursday night shows with the guest djs . I still have some of them to this day. I met him afew times while I did my internship at WAVS and he seemed to be a truly genuine person. In Grand Bahama we dont get the signal strong enough but on nights when it rained hard it would come in and I would be listening and when the show started to broadcast on the web I was listening. I know at the thanksgiving show next month in miami there will be an even bigger tribute. If Ital-K is the one to fill the slot I wish him the best in carrying on what Clint O had started. Clint Oneil may be gone but as long as I have my tapes he will never be forgotten.

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In the late 70's, you didn't hear reggae on every street corner. There wasn't a West Indian supermarket every couple of blocks. When Clint O came on the radio, it was a breath of fresh air to Jamaicans in exile. Clint was the voice of home. We found him by accident, trying to find something, anything on the radio. And after we 'buck him up' we spread the word. 'Reggae on the radio - FM at that!' And so his popularity spread, and WLRN gained listeners and responded by putting him on 6 nights a week. He kept us in touch with the 'Rock' - back when air fares were under $200 round trip, but maybe you weren't legal, and couldn't get to travel freely. Clint brought us the classics, and the bran' spanking new. He brought us news and views. He publicized and promoted all manner of cultural events, and helped make money for many struggling artistes. And he was always ready to lend a hand without being bragadocious or arrogant. You could tell he was a humble man, for though he had many opinions on a wide variety of subjects, he mostly let the music speak for him. So much more could be said - we will truly miss that crazy laugh, that cool voice. Clint, I hope you know how much you were appreciated, from then till now, and on and on.

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i am truly sorry to hear of clints passing today on the 'reggae ride' from the djs. i have been calling clint for probably 20 years from the keys, alaska,minnesota, and california. i can remember giving him a fresh update of ziggy marleys show anchorage alaska. i called him all the time late night and he was just great everytime. i am going to really miss him on my late driving jobs. the music was always the best and his vioce and laugh were distinct. rest in peace my friend. the way he would break up the marley ID, to make it feel like he was there talking to him, never forget that. 'thanks for the ride'!!!! one love, hobbes

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We must continue to elevate the music that Clint works so hard to bring to the masses, he would want nothing Less.

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your laugh was so genuine as was your love of humanity.It was impossible not to feel Jah Love in your presence. Your willingness to help the struggler and the sufferah is a legacy I will inherit. Jah Bless

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Clint.....The fight goes on to keep "Sounds of the Caribbean Alive". There are evil doers who wish otherwise but as long as The Father is on our side we will prevail, him never miss!

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I CAN REMEMBER WHEN WE SIT AROUND THE RADIO EVERY SUNDAY WHEN AFTERNOON WE WOULD LISSON TO HIM PLAY ABOUT SIX { BOB } & SOME {SPARROW }

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Clint O was a dear close friend who made one of my dreams come true. I will always remember the good time and his big full laugh. the girls of Hollywood lily and chynese will always love you. We miss you Clint.

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I remember in the mid 1980s as a 18/19 yr old listening to Clint on the radio mostly Saturday nights driving back to the 'burbs from partying in Ft. Lauderdale. Clint's spirit always sounded right while I would be driving on the dark empty roads on the way home. I moved from S. Florida almost 20 yrs ago, but I always remembered Clint. when I would return to the area to visit family I would listen to Clint. In fact I just back from a visit to Ft. Lauderdale today. I didn't get a chance to tune in WLRN, but It wouldn't have made a difference because un beknownst to me Clint was gone already. It takes a unique talent to make the kind of impression Clint made on me even when I wasn't in the area to listen to him. Meanwhile, the influence on Clint can be heard on Mixx96 also braodcasting out of Miami. Another great one has gone from this planet. Clint, thank you for getting me home on those dark, drunk nights.You will be missed. Rest easy.

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clint O was a real brother, he try to help anyone who was trying, dont care even if u didnt had a hit, he plays your music,he give u a chance, dont care what color u are he mek it possible to let u know u got something too. i known him for the last 25yrs & he was iry with I I was call his sista we had good times together, we drink up the roots & do what ever mek us happy, he was a good man, even with his tie or bare feet, he was truly iry he will be miss very much, but he's in a better place where there's no fuss & fighting like here, Jah is taking good care of him he's hanging with the stars stress free, yes. never let a good man down. all his fans should give good blessing. nuff love ClintO, I love u much. a sista for life look over us. Ital K can do the works just give him the space. He's real, Bless uup. Sista Rita.

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Clint O'Neil A part of reggae history has gone silent. Clint O'Neil was the ultimate dj. His musical touch was magic. Clint chose songs that represented the best of the Caribbean culture. Every year, I eagerly looked forward to his Bob Marley birthday special. He had versions of Bob's songs, personal comments, and interviews that I have never heard outside the Clint O'Neil show. Clint O'Neil's song choices made me feel that he knew exactly which songs I loved and was sharing them with me. His superb ability to entertain made my nights complete time and time again. Until I left Miami in 1995, I planned my time around his weekend shows. I could not stand the thought of missing classic reggae music. I always looked forward to relaxing with him after long hours of study. Clint always talked about "reggae heaven", I hope he is there.

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I drove from delaware to Miami to meet this legend in reegae. I am an up and coming artist and he had me on his show in the middle of the night. he was a very nice man. I thought I would see him on my trip to Reggae fest04, but he departed.

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Never a look at Clint without a smile in return, a hand stretched for a shake or for me an embrase. A personality that is beyond human touch and music that would arouse your culture from deep within. O' Clint - you will forever be remembered because you are one of a kind - you are love in expression.

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I miss u , god father. Thanks for invite me to WLRN as DJ from Japan. Thaks for everything man. I miss your voice. One Love.

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clint o', you will always be in our hearts and minds.I remember when we would all meet,my family and you.i will keep you in my mind forever.I hope you have a good time in zion. Jah Bless you!

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I didn't know him at all but I know that he was one of God's children and he has moved on to another and better place. My respects goes out to his family and friends. He may not be here with you today but he lives in ur hearts.

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clint moneil, you have been a great source of musical wealth. play on...

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I am one Jamaican American who always look forward to tune in every chance I get, I truly Missed Clint O, I started listening to Clint ever since the program started, back then I was working on ships, I had the chance to meet him on many ocassions, last time was at one of JahNets promotins show. I know Clint O lives on, I have hundreds of hours on tape menories recordings, Jah be with Clint O.

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Clint dedicated 25 years of his life working for WLRN-FM Public Radio in Miami, his program "Sounds of the Caribbean" must live on forever. Clint passed the torch to Ital but he is being prevented from running with it by evil doers. Out of respect for Clint it is incumbent on all of us who knew and loved him to demand that his desire be fulfilled.It is unfortunate that Ital has not had sufficient backing by the community at large to affect this change, all that wish to see Clints' legacy live on must become proactive. Call WLRN, E:mail WLRN, write WLRN and demand that Clint's request be honored. My respect to all for your consideration.

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after i first listen to clint on a visit to new orleans a friend of mine could pick up his show on the radio after i heard him a few time it inspired i&i to persue my jamaican roots and i also became a dj at kcmu in seattle for the popular show positive vibrations he has influensed many people he is going to be missed

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I was surprised to get this news as I was about to contact him again after a couple of years. So, well ..On behalf of the whole Kalle Baah band, I would like to pay respect to Mr Clint O'Neil. The man who even did put Swedish reggaeacts up front in his show. ONE LOVE