Tribute to David Judah
This week, all music lovers would have noted the passing of Justin Hinds. Christopher Porter has collected links and mp3s at his site. But firecorner was also saddened to hear from our friend Kim Gertler in Canada about David Judah. We’d linked to his site previously. Kim sent us this tribute:
David Judah was known and loved among reggae fans in Toronto for his Cry Tuff Sound dub sessions. In addition to being a deejay and a champion of roots reggae music, he was also an accomplished artist, a talented photographer and a compassionate humanitarian.
A usual Cry Tuff session featured Judah and a guest selector or two using a single turntable, a microphone and crates of classic and rare seventies Jamaican 12 inch dubs. Usually, proceeds from the gate were donated to Jamaica Self Help, which is a charity fostering programs such as literacy, skills and agricultural training and more.
David grew up in Port Hope, Ontario. his artistic talents were encouraged by his parents and he learned printmaking at age 7 and earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Guelph. His pieces have been exhibited in such varied venues as Roach-a-Rama, in Kensington Market and Gallery One in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville gallery area.
Judah was a yoga Siromani, a teacher. His humble sprituality and sense of humour made him a good and generous friend. He travelled to Grenada, Jamaica, India and Israel.
After a long and well-fought bout with skin cancer, David Judah passed from this physical realm in March 2005, in Zavet, Israel in his sleep. David called his unique reggae vibe ‘spiritual rockers.’ Indeed, David’s spirit will continue to keep on rocking universally.
I think I speak for many when I say he is still with us in ways that words cannot properly express.
through the leaves of the catalpa
blue skies, blue skies, blue skies
white clouds, monarchs and Echinacea
“if you say to me tomorrow…”
one time, one time, one time
through the door slowly closing
green eyes, green eyes, green eyes
young hearts, old pasts and destiny
I also met David in the very early 90’s in Port Hope and he instantly became my favourite person in the world. To take you even further back in the story, my father was his 5th grade teacher so yeah, we definitely have a history that goes way, way back. But in all honesty, this man saved my life. I was just a kid when he took me under his wing, and that’s exactly what he did. He showed me a better life and taught me while still learning along the way, himself. I can’t even tell you where I’d be right now if he hadn’t, because everyone else around me was so negative. I still to this day have no idea why he did that for me but he must have seen a little bit of himself in me. Again, I was just a little kid hanging out with this 20 something
artist/ philosopher/deejay, whatever you wanna call him to me he was just like the coolest guy in the world and I was at a real impressionable age and he really shaped and molded me into this person I am today because more than anyone else, I looked up to David. He was no friend, he was family.
He was my big brother.
It was a regular thing for me to be sitting on his couch for hours at a time while he would spin or make some of those legendary mixtapes or some of those legendary vegetarian meals. I miss those days so much because everything was so simple. We were living and just having fun and not thinking about tomorrow. His laugh still rings in my ears. His stupid little voices (he did impressions of literally everyone, and well. I often wondered what his impression of me was when I wasn’t around but I’m sure it was spot on) still crack me up although you know what they say, after laughter comes tears.
I miss him. But what I miss almost as much as David himself is the opportunites gone. I did not know he was sick, well I knew he had health problems but not like this. I said it earlier he was my big brother, and truth is I’m not very tight with my brothers these days. I don’t talk to them very much at all, but then every couple of years we have a really good talk and we catch up and I make them understand that my distance has nothing to do with them, I’m just a loner at heart. I hide from the world. I hide from the people I love because….well I don’t know why. But I missed alot of opportunities to connect with him, obviously unaware of what was coming. Last time I saw him was maybe a year ago at the Delaware exit at Ossington station and we talked breifly and he gave me a hug and it was just exactly what I needed to know, that he still cared for me after all these years. I told him I would get at him soon and he said “well whatever, it’s cool” and I said “no I’m not saying this to say it, I want to hang out.” That visit never happened. My procrastination finally caught up with me, and I will regret that until the day I die. Again, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to see Dave, my biggest fear was that he wouldn’t want to see me, because I could read dude really well. I could tell when he didn’t want to run into someone. But I just want him to know, it was never you Dave. You were wonderful. You were the best person I ever knew. I loved you. I’m sorry I didn’t go and watch you spin all those times, and I’m sorry I didn’t call you like once a week like I should have. I’m sorry, brother.
I’m a really troubled person and I get lost in my own selfish shit. I shut people out. It was always me. I look around my room and you are everywhere (for those who were fortunate enough to know him you will know what I’m talking about, dude was notorious for his presents). I’m sorry I could go on and on but it would still never come across the right way.
I have really gotten into Dub over the past year or so, and I finally understand the whole deejay culture. I know now why you liked it so much. I wish I could hear you do one last set, but the best I can do is run this “Herbaalist Dub” tape.
Long story short, Dave I love you and I miss so much everyday. Please send me a sign to let me know that you have recieved this message.
Freedom,
Love,
Peace,
and Unity
I will try my best to carry on your legacy,
Luke McFadden (but you always called me “Lukey D” or “McFadden” in that silly redneck voice you used to do)
Ruth, I am sending my deepest love to you. We never got to know each other but I know he cared for you very deeply.
David Sr. and Anita, I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers as well
P.S.- I know this is scatter brained and terrible writing but I can’t think straight about this. My mind is all over the place so at least it’s honest, eh Dave? Haha. I know you would at least respect me for that.
Peace
— Luke McFadden Aug 12, 04:47 AM #
David was an amazing person, and I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I’m glad this site is here. Thanks.
Today I played a collection of songs entitled Keith Hudson-Unreleased Album, which really excited me…..Keith Hudson has always been one of my favourite JA producers. Some of the finest music I’ve come across in a long time, and it includes a vocal version of my favourite track of all, Depth Charge, from the Pick-A-Dub album. Why am I here? Well, Windows Media Player told me that I was listening to David Judah’s Tapes, and that got my curiosity so I googled his name – having read about the man, I am sure that he must be one and the same. It amazes me that I’m sitting here in the UK in 2010 having never heard of David before, but my life has been enriched through his actions many years ago.