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LEGEND: John Holt performing at Tropical Palace, Harlesden in 1984. [PHOTO CREDIT: David Corio, Redferns]

MUSICIANS FROM across the world have paid tribute to legendary reggae singer John Holt, following news of his death.

The Jamaican star passed away in London early Monday morning (Oct 20) aged 69.

Since the news of his death, musicians and fans have paid tribute to the singer through social media.

Jamaican artist Shaggy tweeted: "“WE HAVE LOST A LEGEND!!! RIP JOHN HOLT! Very instrumental part of our reggae history! You'll be missed…”

Fellow Jamaican singer, Sean Paul also took to Twitter. He said: "“RRR!!! R.I.P SIR JHON HOLT!!! U HAVE SERVED UR CULTURE WELL!!! I SALUTE U!!! CONDOLENCES 2 THE FAM!!!…”

British singer and actress, Beverley Knight was also saddened by Holt's death. “Just got up & heard that John Holt reggae ICON, has died. What a sweet honey-combed voice, what great phrasing. RIP to a legend. Xxxx”

The reggae veteran had been battling ill health for some time now and seems to have worsened since August when he collapsed on stage at the One Love Concert in in Springfield on August 16.

Following the collapse, he underwent a surgical operation and remained in London for recovery.

Though it is not known what caused the singer to collapse, there are fears he returned to the stage too soon after an operation last month.

"I just think he went back to performing too early,” Frankie Campbell, chairman of the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artistes and Affiliates (JAVAA), said. “We don't want to lose anybody else at this point in Jamaican music - certainly, not Holt."

"John has been extensively touring and we want him to continue spreading the music," he said.

The singer, full name John Kenneth Holt, came to prominence as lead singer of the group The Paragons before leaving to focus on his solo career in the 1970s.

His song Stick by Me, was perhaps Holt's biggest success, and in 1972, it went on to become the biggest selling Jamaican record for that year.

News reporter, Charlene White was also a great fan of the song. She tweeted: “Just heard about the death of reggae great John Holt. Stick By Me is a track I've grown up with. Still a CLASSIC.”

DJ Daddy Ernie will be paying tribute to the legendary singer on his Vibesfm.net show today (Oct 20)‬ from 8pm.