Jamaican-born singer Stranger Cole helped establish Toronto as a reggae hot spot (opens original article in a new tab)

Jamaican-born singer Stranger Cole played a key role in establishing Toronto as a reggae hub by opening Roots Records in 1978, influencing local musicians and contributing to the city's growth as a major reggae producer worldwide.

• Jamaican-born singer Stranger Cole helped establish Toronto as a reggae hot spot by opening Roots Records in 1978
• Cole's store sold reggae music and created a vibrant music scene in Toronto's Kensington Market
• Cole's legacy includes influencing Canadian musicians and contributing to Toronto becoming a major reggae producer worldwide
• Cole's song Bangarang is considered one of the earliest reggae recordings