Music Choice: Reggae

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Contents

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Do the Reggay” was the first popular song to use the word “reggae,” effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience.

What is Reggae?

Reggae is a style of music that was developed in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It is a combination of African, Caribbean, and American music. Reggae is usually played with drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards. The main instruments in a reggae band are the drums, bass, and guitar. The drums usually play a four-beat rhythm.

The Origins of Reggae

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term was first used to refer to a style of popular Jamaican dance music that was influenced by traditional Caribbean mento as well as American jazz and rhythm and blues. By the 1970s, reggae had become a distinctly recognizable style of music with its own unique sound and lyrics.

Reggae is often associated with the Rastafari movement, which originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. Rastafarians typically use reggae music as a way to spread their religious beliefs, which include the spiritual use of cannabis and the eventual return of all black people to Africa.

While reggae initially developed in Jamaica, it has become popular around the world, particularly in Africa, Europe, and North America. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in reggae among young people in Jamaica.

The Influence of Reggae

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Do the Reggay” was the first popular song to use the word “reggae”, effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. While sometimes used in a broad sense to refer to most types of popular Jamaican dance music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady.

Reggae is heavily influenced by traditional mento as well as ska, rocksteady, and R&B. Reggae developed into its own separate style in 1966 with the classic tracks “I’m Still waiting” by Delroy Wilson,std class=”wikitable sortable” id=”cite_note-Standard-1″>
“Liquidator” by The Harry J Allstars,{{cite web |url=http://www.jamaicansounds.com/cdreviews/liquidatorstheharryjallstarsbeyondthebounds19611968shanachie6420222cdreview20051021bymichielbolkcommb32726320app6749418224f443dc714e6d93d903353fe4 |title=The Harry J Allstars – Beyond The Bounds (1961–1968) Review |work=Shanachie 64202 2CD Review |author=Michiel Bolk |date=2005-10-21 |accessdate=2007-02-05}} “Ska Jerk” by Ernest Ranglin,{{cite book|last1=Hebdige|first1=Dick|title=Cut ‘n’ Mix: Culture, Identity and Caribbean Music|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-hbvMY0irxsC&pg=PA90&lpg=#v=onepage&q&f=false|accessdate=10 March 2020|year=1987|publisher=Comedia Publishing Group Ltd|isbn=# 978--0415-03472-2}}{{cite book |last1=# McFarlane # |first1=# Ian # ed.# |title={ {All Music Guide: The definitive guide to popular music}} { {5th ed.} }
{ {book} } .
{ {San Francisco} } : { {Backbeat Books} } .
{ {ISBN} } # 0-87930-600-9 .
{{cite web#lpg = onepage || archiveurl = https: / / web#archive#org / 20050318085634 / http:/ / www#nme#com/ features / articles / 2473985a58f7091e79ec3611ba80a4dfeb3397ea — u2662882 ##html ba80a4dfeb3397ea —- nme#com }} Retrieved April 8 2017. “” last release on Island Records (JA) WIRL 02054 with session musicians including Chris White on bass guitar. These tracks were included on ”The Fabulous Wailers” album issued by local record producer Randy Chin in early 1965. Early 1967 he issued two singles – one featuring “”Simmer Down”” which was written by Bob Marley held at Number One for seven weeks in February. In June 1967 he released “”Trenchtown Rock”” composed by Marley which also went on to be his signature tune. Horace Andy began working with Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle studio around this time where he cut his first solo records including working with producers such as Lee “Scratch” Perry && George Phillip. The Heptones were another vocal group who gained prominence during this era && their best known track from this period is “”Fattie Fattie.”” Ska was increasingly becoming Politically conscious during this time which was evident in Wailers tracks such as “”Stop That Train.””
One drop rhythm && open Hi hats became increasingly favored during this time && there was also an increase use of electric guitars played in octaves similar to Rocksteady.”Style oonuh have deh!” deejay Big Youth would often remark followed by cries of “” stall ting!”””

The Best Reggae Artists

Reggae is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae was first used to describe a type of music developed from ska and rocksteady. Reggae is characterized by a strong rhythm section, catchy melodies, and often contains political or social commentary. Some of the best-known reggae artists include Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, and Sean Paul.

Bob Marley

there is no single best reggae artist, as the genre encompasses a wide range of styles, sounds, and cultures. However, one name that looms large in reggae history is Bob Marley. Marley was a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to international fame in the 1970s with his band, the Wailers. Marley’s music was heavily influenced by his native Jamaican culture, as well as by such diverse genres as ska, rocksteady, and R&B. His unique style helped to popularize reggae worldwide, and he remains one of the genre’s most revered figures even decades after his death.

Ziggy Marley

Ziggy Marley is a Jamaican musician and leader of the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers. He is the eldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley. Ziggy began his musical career at an early age, appearing on stage with his father at the age of 10. He released his first solo album, “Play the Game Right,” in 1985. Ziggy’s most recent album, “Fly Rasta,” was released in 2014.

Sean Paul

Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques, better known by his stage name Sean Paul, is a Jamaican rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Kingston, Jamaica to parents of Portuguese and Chinese descent. He rose to fame in the early 2000s with his commercially successful single “Gimme the Light” and his debut album Dutty Rock (2002). His album sales have since exceeded 15 million copies worldwide.

Sean Paul’s music is generally classified as dancehall and reggae fusion, and he has also been credited for helping to bring these genres to a wider mainstream audience. He has won multiple Grammy Awards including Best Reggae Album for his most recent album Full Frequency (2014). He has also been nominated for numerous other awards including BET Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

The Best Reggae Songs

If you are in the mood for some good reggae vibes, check out our top 10 list of the best reggae songs. We have everything from classic hits to new tunes that are sure to get you moving.

“No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley

“No Woman, No Cry” is a song by Bob Marley & The Wailers. The song was recorded in 1974 at the Record Plant Studios in New York City. The song became one of the best-known songs of its genre and is considered one of Bob Marley’s greatest hits. The lyrics of the song are about Marley’s experiences growing up in the slums of Trenchtown, Jamaica.

“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” is a classic reggae song that is beloved by fans all over the world. The song has a great message of hope and positivity, and the catchy melody makes it easy to sing along to. “Three Little Birds” is a perfect example of the type of music that made Bob Marley a legend, and it remains one of his most popular songs to this day.

“Get Busy” by Sean Paul

“Get Busy” is a song recorded by Jamaican dancehall artist Sean Paul for his second studio album Dutty Rock (2002). The song was written by Paul and produced by Jeremy Harding. It was released as the lead single from the album in May 2002. The song topped the charts in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. In the UK, it peaked at number two, becoming Sean Paul’s first solo single to reach the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart.

Similar Posts