Stranger Cole: key obituary facts
Is Stranger Cole dead? Yes. Stranger Cole died on June 11, 2026, at age 83.
Cause of death: Stranger Cole's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Stranger Cole known for?
He was known as Jamaican musician.
More about Stranger Cole
Born: 1 January 1945.
Place of birth: Kingston.
Gender: male.
Occupation: composer, singer, musician.
Nationality: Jamaica.
Career began: 1962.
Genres: Ska, rocksteady, reggae.
Occupations: pioneering musician, community activist.
Years active: 1962 – present.
Stranger Cole, the Jamaican singer whose career helped shape ska, rocksteady and reggae, died on June 11, 2026, at the age of 83.
Born Wilburn Theodore Cole in Kingston, Jamaica, he began recording in 1962 and went on to become known as a pioneering musician and community activist. Early success came as a songwriter with “In and out the Window,” a hit for Eric “Monty” Morris, before he made his own debut with producer Arthur “Duke” Reid and singles including “Rough and Tough” and “When You Call My Name” with Patsy Todd.
Also known as StrangeJah Cole, he remained active in music for decades.