Reggae Music and the Beat Goes On

Reggae Music has been around for many years and the beat goes on. If you’re a fan of this genre, then check out this blog to learn more about its history and current state.

The History of Reggae

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae was first used to describe this new style of music in 1968, and the genre developed during the 1970s. Reggae is heavily influenced by African American music, particularly R&B, and has been described as a “fusion of Blue Beat and Calypso.”

Where it started

Reggae began in the late 1960s, derived from rocksteady, a form of Jamaican popular music that developed from ska and mento. According to one account, rocksteady was a dancedrama performed mainly by intimate partners.[1] Other accounts say that it was initially a nightclub soundsystem-based style of music.[2][3] The immediate origins of rocksteady are reputedly traced to a 1966 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Bam Bam”.[4][5]

Reggae historian Steve Barrow states that the term “rocksteady” comes from a 1967 Alton Ellis song,[6] while Derrick Morgan claims it was first used in reference to his own 1968 hit, “Rock A Shacka”.[7] By the early 1970s, rocksteady had slowed down the ska tempo while retaining its pre-eminent horns-and-bass formula;[1] it also abandoned the extended instrumental interludes characteristic of ska in favour of more concise arrangements.[8]:207

The influence of other genres

Reggae’s direct origins can be traced back to the ska and rocksteady of the late 1960s in Jamaica, but it also took inspiration from other genres of music, such as American rhythm and blues, mento (a Jamaican folk music), as well as African and Latin American music. Reggae didn’t just absorb other influences, though; it also adapted and expanded upon them, creating something new in the process. This is one of the things that makes reggae so unique and interesting – its ability to easily incorporate elements from other genres while still retaining its own distinctive sound.

The Sound of Reggae

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae is derived from the word “ragged,” which describes the sound of the music. Reggae is a style of music that is characterized by a strong bass line, drum and percussion rhythms, and vocal harmonies.

The instruments used

Reggae music is commonly associated with the Rastafarian movement, which began in the 1930s in Jamaica. The musical style developed during the 1950s and 1960s, and it soon spread to other countries in the Caribbean. Reggae is a popular genre of music that is influenced by many different styles, including rock, jazz, and ska.

The instruments used in reggae music include the drum, bass, guitar, and keyboard. The drums usually have a heavy bass sound, and the guitars often have a “skanking” sound. The keyboard or piano is also used to provide chords and melody. The lyrics of reggae songs often deal with social issues such as poverty, racism, and violence.

The signature sound

Reggae music is easily recognizable for its slow, relaxed beat and its use of the off-beat, or the “skank.” This type of music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s, and it was heavily influenced by both Jamaican mento music and rhythm and blues. Reggae music has since become a global phenomenon, with artists like Bob Marley becoming household names.

The signature sound of reggae music is created by the drumming style known as the “one drop.” This style uses only the bass drum on the first and third beats of each measure, while the snare drum is played on the second and fourth beats. The result is a very syncopated sound that is perfect for dancing. In addition to the drums, reggae music typically features a bass guitar, guitars, keyboards, and percussion instruments like bongos and congas.

The lyrics of reggae songs often deal with themes of herbalism, love, social injustice, and even religion. Reggae lyrics are often spoken in Jamaican Patois, which is a combination of English and African dialects. This helps to create a unique sound that is instantly recognizable.

If you’re looking for some great reggae tunes to add to your collection, be sure to check out these classics:

-Bob Marley – “No Woman, No Cry”
-Peter Tosh – “Equal Rights”
-Jimmy Cliff – “The Harder They Come”
-Toots & The Maytals – “Pressure Drop”

The Popularity of Reggae

Reggae Music has been around for many years and is still popular today. It is a genre of music that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Reggae music is known for its unique sound and beat. It is a type of music that is loved by many people around the world.

In Jamaica

Reggae music is deeply ingrained in the culture of Jamaica. The island’s people have a long history of making and enjoying music, and reggae is just one of many genres that have arisen from this rich musical tradition. Reggae actually developed out of other Jamaican musical styles, such as ska and rocksteady, in the 1960s. The new style was characterized by a slow, steady beat and often featured political or social messages in the lyrics.

Reggae soon became hugely popular both in Jamaica and around the world. The genre’s international breakthrough came in the 1970s with the release of Bob Marley’s album “Catch a Fire.” Marley and other reggae artists introduced the Jamaican sound to new audiences, and reggae quickly became one of the most popular forms of music in the world.

Today, reggae is still extremely popular in Jamaica, where it is considered an important part of the country’s cultural identity. Reggae artists from Jamaica continue to enjoy success both at home and abroad, and the genre shows no signs of losing its popularity anytime soon.

Worldwide

Reggae music has been around for several decades and has its origins in the Caribbean island of Jamaica. The reggae beat is often characterized by a off-beat “skank” rhythm, which is usually played on the guitar or keyboards. The lyrics are often made up of simple stories about life, love, and social issues.

Reggae music became popular in the 1960s with the release of several ska and rocksteady records by artists such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, and Desmond Dekker. In the 1970s, reggae continued to gain popularity worldwide with the release of more ska, rocksteady, and reggae records by artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh.

In the 1980s, reggae experienced a decline in popularity in Jamaican popular culture with the rise of dancehall music. However, reggae continued to be popular in other parts of the world, especially in Britain and America. In the 1990s, reggae experienced a resurgence in popularity with the release of records by artists such as Sean Paul and Shaggy.

Reggae music has been popular for several decades and shows no signs of slowing down. It is enjoyed by people of all ages all over the world.

The Future of Reggae

Reggae music has been around for decades and it is still going strong. The genre has produced some of the biggest names in music including Bob Marley, Sean Paul, and Shaggy. Reggae music is loved by people all over the world and it is clear that the genre is here to stay.

New artists

When we think of reggae, we often think of the classics – Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Ziggy Marley. But what about the future of reggae? Who are the new artists that are keeping the genre alive and well?

There are plenty of up-and-coming reggae artists that are making waves in the music industry. Here are just a few of them:

The Green: This band from Hawaii has been making reggae music since 2009. They have a unique sound that is a blend of roots reggae, dub, and ska. Their latest album, Bless Up, was released in 2017.

J Boog: This artist from Los Angeles got his start in the music industry as a member of the group Lil’ Half Dead. He has been making solo music since 2006 and has released six albums. His latest album, Wash House Ting, was released in 2016.

Common Kings: This band from Orange County, California is made up of four members who were born in the Pacific Islands. They have been making music together since 2010 and have released two albums. Their latest album, Lost in Paradise, was released in 2015.

Midnite: This band from St. Croix, U.S Virgin Islands has been making reggae music since 1991. They have a unique sound that blends roots reggae with dub and techno elements. They have released thirteen albums and their latest album Unpolished was released in 2016.

The evolution of the sound

The sound of reggae developed in the late 1960s, when producers such as Duke Reid and Leslie Kong began adding electronic touches to the traditional ska sound. This new sound quickly caught on with Jamaican audiences, and by the early 1970s, it had become the dominant form of Jamaican popular music.

Over the next few years, reggae continued to evolve, incorporating elements of rock and pop music. By the mid-1970s, artists such as Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff were beginning to gain international recognition for their reggae recordings. In the 1980s, dancehall emerged as a popular subgenre of reggae, characterized by its focus on danceable rhythms and catchy melodies.

Today, reggae is enjoyed by people all over the world. Thanks to its infectious rhythms and positive message, it has continued to remain popular even as other musical styles have come and gone. Reggae’s popularity looks likely to continue into the future, as more and more people discover the joy of this unique musical genre.