Now, more than ever, ska great Derrick Morgan will have to be “rougher than rough, tougher than tough” as the onetime rude boy who helped shape the sound of ska in the 1960s has been hit with a dire cancer diagnosis.

Music sources have confirmed that ska great Derrick Morgan is currently undergoing treatment for cancer which is metastasizing and spreading in his body.

“He had stage 2 last year but now it has spread to his bone and lymph nodes. We are doing radiation and immunotherapy to see if it makes a difference,” the source said.

Derrick Morgan will be 85 on March 27th this year. Even though his vision has failed him, he still embodies the sobriquet “the Conquering Ruler.”

By the year 1960, Morgan was undeniably leading the ska charge with his songs occupying the top seven spots on Jamaican pop charts simultaneously. Standout songs for Kong include “Housewives Choice,” a bouncy ska duet with frequent collaborator Millicent “Patsy” Todd. A seminal figure in Jamaican music, songs such as “Forward March” formed the perfect bridge between Jamaica’s interpretation of R&B shuffle and the ska that was to come.

Many of Morgan’s own songs, such as “Conquering Ruler” and “Moon Hop,” have become anthemic, empowered singalongs for legions of international reggae lovers. “Seven Letters,” recorded for famed producer Bunny Lee in 1969, is often cited as one of the earliest examples of reggae.

He will always be remembered for his contribution to ska even if it’s not a popular sound on the island. Experts agree that ska will live forever because of a dedicated swath of fans, collectors and bands playing in a traditional style internationally.