Oldies Reggae Music: The Best of the Best

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

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

Here you will find the best of the best oldies reggae music. If you are a fan of this genre, then this is the blog for you!

What is Reggae Music?

Reggae music is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The style of music is characterized by a strong bassline, multiple electric guitar tracks, and drums. The lyrics are often political or spiritual in nature. Reggae music has become popular all over the world, particularly in the Caribbean, Africa, and the United States.

The History of Reggae Music

Reggae music has its roots in Jamaica, and is a fusion of African and Jamaican folk music, as well as influences from ska, rocksteady, and rhythm and blues. The first major wave of reggae was led by artists such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals, and Burning Spear. Reggae became popularized around the world in the 1970s with hits such as Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” and “I Shot the Sheriff.”

The 1980s saw a second wave of reggae artists achieve mainstream success, including Ziggy Marley (Bob Marley’s son), Shabba Ranks, Sean Paul, and Beenie Man. In the 1990s and 2000s, reggae experienced something of a decline in popularity, but has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to artists like Damian Marley (another of Bob Marley’s sons), Matisyahu, and Sublime with Rome.

The Different Types of Reggae Music

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The word reggae comes from the word ska, which was a popular Jamaican music genre at the time. Reggae is typically characterized by a 4/4 time signature, offbeat rhythms, and um…often contains political or social commentary.

There are different types of reggae music, including ska, rocksteady, roots reggae, and dancehall. Ska is the precursor to reggae; it’s up-tempo and often has a horn section. Rocksteady is slower than ska and has a steadier beat. Roots reggae is the more “traditional” sound of reggae and often contains social or political commentary. Dancehall is a more modern form of reggae that’s often associated with Rastafarianism.

The Best Reggae Music Artists of All Time

Reggae music has been around for decades and has produced some of the best artists of all time. This genre of music is known for its soothing rhythms and relaxing melodies. Reggae music is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. In this article, we will be taking a look at the best reggae music artists of all time.

Bob Marley

Legendary singer, guitarist, and songwriter Bob Marley is known for popularizing reggae music and for his distinctive vocal and songwriting style. His debut album, Catch a Fire, was released in 1973 and is considered one of the greatest reggae albums of all time. Marley’s subsequent albums, such as Exodus and Kaya, also received critical acclaim. He is also well-known for his hits “No Woman, No Cry,” “Buffalo Soldier,” and “One Love.” Marley died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 36, but his music continues to live on and inspire new generations of fans.

Peter Tosh

Peter Tosh, born WinstonHubert McIntosh, was a Jamaican reggae musician who was an original member of The Wailers along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. He is considered one of the best reggae artists of all time. He was a master of the Rastafari movement, and his music was hugely influential. He was known for his politically charged lyrics and his defiant attitude. He was assassinated in 1987, but his legacy continues to this day.

Burning Spear

Born Winston Rodney, Burning Spear is a Jamaican singer and musician who helped define the sounds of roots reggae and dub. He was heavily influenced by the Afro-centricity movement of the 1960s, which sought to promote black pride and empowerment through music. His best-known songs include ” Marcus Garvey” and ” Slavery Days,” both of which are considered reggae classics. He has been awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Order of Jamaica, among other honors.

Jimmy Cliff

Jimmy Cliff, OM (born James Chambers; 1 April 1948) is a Jamaican musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and actor. He is the only currently living musician to hold the Order of Merit and the Order of Jamaica; he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Cliff is regarded as one of the greatest exponents of reggae music. Throughout his five-decade career, he has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards. He was awarded a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for “services to popular music” in 2012.

Born in Somerton District, St. James Parish, Jamaica, Cliff began his career as a studio musician after moving to Kingston in 1962. His international breakthrough came with the release of “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” in 1969. With several album releases throughout the 1970s and 1980s including Give Thankx & Praises (1976), Struggling Man (1979), and Cliff Hanger (1985), Jimmy Cliff became one of reggae’s most successful artists during this time; with Struggling Man becoming his first album to enter into the Billboard charts in 1979. In 2004 he was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for “The Harder They Come”, while in 2010 he received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music and entered into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well as The Songwriters Hall Of Fame. In 2014 he was awarded an honorary degree from Brown University.”

In 2017, Cliff released his newest album Rebirth; which featured songs such as “Reggae Music”, “Resistance”, “Guns Of Brixton” & “War A Crime”. The album also saw him win his first Grammy Award since 1977 for Best Reggae Album at the 60th Grammy Awards.

Toots and the Maytals

No reggae artist has had more influence or success than Toots and the Maytals. The group has been described as “the Grimes Golden of Jamaican music” and is credited with popularizing reggae music around the world. Toots Hibbert, the group’s frontman, is a true icon of the genre and is responsible for some of its most classic hits, including “Do the Reggae,” “Pressure Drop,” and “Funky Kingston.” The Maytals are one of the most important and influential reggae bands of all time, and their impact on popular culture is still felt today.

The Best Reggae Songs of All Time

Reggae music is a genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The style is characterized by a strong bass line, guitar, and drums. Reggae music has been popular all over the world and has influenced other genres of music. If you’re a fan of reggae music, then check out this list of the best reggae songs of all time.

“No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley

“No Woman, No Cry” is a song by Bob Marley & The Wailers. The song was included on the 1974 album Natty Dread. The live version of the song was released on the album Live! and became one of Marley’s most famous songs. “No Woman, No Cry” is one of Bob Marley’s most famous and beloved songs.

“Get Up, Stand Up” by Bob Marley

“Get Up, Stand Up” is a song written by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. The song originally appeared on The Wailers’ 1973 album Burnin’. It was later included on Bob Marley & The Wailers’ compilation album, Legend.

“Get Up, Stand Up” is one of the most popular reggae songs of all time. The song is a call to action, urging people to stand up for their rights. The lyrics are also some of the most quoted and memorable in all of reggae music.

The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, and Muse. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Performance in 1984.

“I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley

“I Shot the Sheriff” is a song by Bob Marley, initially released on The Wailers’ album Burnin’ in 1973. The song caused controversy at the time, with its lyrical references to violence, but it went on to become one of Marley’s most popular songs. It has been covered by many artists, including Eric Clapton, who had a hit with his version in 1974.

“Redemption Song” by Bob Marley

“Redemption Song” is a reggae song by Bob Marley. It is the closing track on Bob Marley & The Wailers’ ninth studio album, Legend. The song is considered one of Marley’s greatest works.

The song is based on a speech given by Marcus Garvey, who was an early advocate of the Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism movements. In the speech, entitled “The Work That Has Been Done”, Garvey speaks about the need for black people to redeem themselves from the ” bondage of mental slavery”.

Marley’s lyrics expand on Garvey’s message, calling for all people to be free from oppression and for everyone to take responsibility for their own lives. The song has been covered by many artists, including Johnny Cash and Bono.

“One Love” by Bob Marley

“One Love” is a reggae song by Bob Marley & The Wailers, released in 1977. The song found greater popular acclaim when it was covered by Blue Riddim in 1998.

The original version of the song was written by Bob Marley and produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry. It was released as a single from the 1977 album Exodus, and reached #5 on the UK Singles Chart.

The Blue Riddim band’s cover version was released as a single in 1998, and peaked at #8 on the UK Singles Chart. The cover featured new lyrics written by frontman Tony Rebel, and was produced by Sly & Robbie.

“Stir It Up” by Bob Marley

This song by legendary reggae artist Bob Marley is one of the most well-known and loved reggae songs of all time. The lyrics are simple but catchy, and the tune is upbeat and fun. “Stir It Up” is a perfect song to get you moving and dancing, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face.

“Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley

This song was released in 1980 on Bob Marley’s final studio album, Uprising. The album was a commercial and critical success, reaching number two on the UK charts and number eight on the US Billboard 200. “Could You Be Loved” was the album’s lead single and peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart. In 2001, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

The song is about universal love and features Marley’s signature rapid-fire delivery. The lyrics are positive and uplifting, with Marley singing about how love can overcome all obstacles. The song has been covered by a number of artists, including Usher, who had a hit with his version in 2004.

“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

“Three Little Birds” is a song by Bob Marley and the Wailers. It is the fourth track on Side 2 of their 1977 album Exodus and was released as a single in 1980. The song reached the Top 20 in the UK, peaking at number 17, and is one of Marley’s most popular songs.

The lyrics of “Three Little Birds” tell the story of a young boy trying to chase away his worries and fears (“Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing gonna be all right”). The song has been described as being “uplifting and positively life-affirming”.

In 2009, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

“Buffalo Soldier” by Bob Marley

“Buffalo Soldier” is a reggae song written by Bob Marley and Noel “King Sporty” Williams. This song is one of Marley’s most popular songs, and is considered one of the best reggae songs of all time. The lyrics are based on the story of the Buffalo Soldiers, African-American soldiers who served in the US Army during the American Civil War.

The song was first released on Marley’s 1983 album “Conflict”, and was later included on the posthumous compilation album “Legend”. “Buffalo Soldier” has been covered by many artists, including Sting, UB40, and Eddy Grant.

“Jamming” by Bob Marley

“Jamming” is a song by Bob Marley and the Wailers, released as a single in 1977. The song is included on the album Exodus and is one of Marley’s best-known songs. The song was written in response to political unrest in Jamaica at the time. The lyrics are a call for unity amongst the people of Jamaica.

The song became an international hit, reaching number one in New Zealand and number eight in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song peaked at number eighteen on the Billboard Hot 100. “Jamming” has been covered by numerous artists including U2, Eric Clapton, and Phish.

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