Alexander Minto Hughes, known by his stage name Judge Dread, was born on May 2, 1945, in Snodland, Kent, England. He emerged as a significant figure in the reggae and ska music scenes, renowned for his comedic and often risqué lyrics. Dread holds the distinction of being the first white artist to have a reggae hit in Jamaica and was known for having more banned songs by the BBC than any other artist due to his use of sexual innuendo.

Growing up, Hughes was introduced to Jamaican music while living in a West Indian household in Brixton, London. His imposing physique led him to work as a bouncer at the Ram Jam club in Brixton and as a bodyguard for notable Jamaican musicians like Prince Buster. He also worked as a professional wrestler under the name "The Masked Executioner" and as a debt collector for Trojan Records.

Judge Dread's music career took off when he recorded "Big Six" in 1972, a track inspired by Prince Buster's "Big Five." The song became a massive hit, reaching number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and selling over 300,000 copies despite being banned from radio play. His subsequent singles, such as "Big Seven" and "Big Eight," followed a similar formula of lewd nursery rhymes set to reggae rhythms, earning him a devoted following and further chart success.

Throughout the 1970s, Judge Dread had 11 UK chart hits, more than any other reggae artist at the time, including Bob Marley. His unique blend of humor and reggae music made him a favorite among various audiences, from skinheads to teenagers. Despite being often dismissed as a novelty act, Judge Dread's influence on the reggae genre in the UK was substantial, and his legacy continues to be recognized.

Judge Dread passed away on March 13, 1998, in Canterbury, Kent, England, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering and controversial figure in the world of reggae music.