'No Cry' contributor Ford dead at 68

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Vincent Ford, who helped write the song "No Woman No Cry" with reggae star Bob Marley, has died in Jamaica at the age of 68, an official says.

Bob Marley Foundation spokesman Paul Kelly confirmed Ford, who helped Marley create the reggae hit in 1974, died last weekend of complications of diabetes and hypertension, the Jamaica Gleaner said Thursday.

Kelly said Ford had been bound to a wheelchair after losing both his legs years earlier due to an illness.

Ford had shared a tenement in the Jamaican capital of Kingston with Marley and his family prior to the release of "No Cry."

That Trench Town tenement, along with Ford's benevolent nature, was the key influence for Marley's hit from his "Natty Dread" album.

Ford also received writing credits for the songs "Positive Vibration," "Roots Rock Reggae" and "Crazy Baldhead" on Marley's 1976 album, "Rastaman Vibration."

The Gleaner said Ford, who died last Sunday leaving two children as survivors, has been a mainstay at Marley honorary ceremonies since the reggae star died in May 1981.