The Top 5 Reggae Music Bands of All Time
A countdown of the top 5 reggae bands of all time, including Bob Marley & The Wailers, Toots & The Maytals, and more.
The Wailers
The Wailers were a Jamaican reggae band led by Bob Marley. The band formed in 1963, and their best-known lineup consisted of Marley, Neville “Bunny” Livingston (aka Bunny Wailer), Peter Tosh, and Aston “Family Man” Barrett. The Wailers became the core of Bob Marley’s backing band after the dismissal of original members Jody Williams and Cherry Smith. By late 1963, Marley and Livingston had joined forces with his cousin, Tosh and Beverley Kelso to form The Wailing Rudeboys, which evolved into The Wailers the following year. keyboardist glue was also added to the lineup at around this time.
The Wailers had immediate musical success, scoring a local hit with their debut recording “Simmer Down”. That songwriting credit went to Bunny Wailer and Marley’s mother, Cedella Booker. In addition to being one of the most important groups in reggae history, they are also considered one of the greatest live bands ever. They performed over 500 shows during their career, including legendary sets at festivals such as the 1974 Smile Jamaica Concert (in memory of political activist Michael Manley) and 1978 One Love Peace Concert
Bob Marley and the Wailers
1. Bob Marley and the Wailers – The undisputed kings of reggae, Bob Marley and the Wailers produced some of the genre’s greatest hits. Formed in 1963, the group went on to release a string of albums that would cement their place in music history.
2. The Mighty Diamonds – Another hugely influential reggae band, The Mighty Diamonds were known for their smooth harmonies and conscious lyrics. Formed in 1969, the band released a series of successful albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
3. Burning Spear – Another legend of the genre, Burning Spear is best known for his anthemic song ” Marcus Garvey”. A leading voice in the roots reggae movement, Burning Spear has been making music for over 40 years.
4. Culture – One of the most popular reggae bands of all time, Culture are known for their Rastafarian-inspired lyrics and infectious melodies. Formed in 1976, the band has released a number of successful albums and remains popular to this day.
5. Israel Vibration – One of the most respected names in reggae music, Israel Vibration are known for their spiritually-themed lyrics and beautiful harmonies. Formed in 1975, the band has released a number of classic albums and continues to tour extensively.
The Skatalites
The Skatalites are a Jamaican ska band. Founded in 1964, they played initially until 1965 but reformed in 1983. The band currently consists of nine musicians.
The Skatalites established the musical foundations for ska, rocksteady and reggae. They are considered to be one of the best ska bands of all time. They have influenced many modern ska bands.
Bob Marley
1. Bob Marley and The Wailers- Without a doubt, the most influential reggae artist of all time. His band The Wailers included Bunny Livingston, Peter Tosh, and material Collaborators Lee “Scratch” Perry and Sly & Robbie. Most of Marley’s songs were political and promoted the Rastafarian religion. He remains the only 3-time Grammy winner in the reggae category.
2. Burning Spear- A roots reggae singer and musician. He was a great combo of political lyrics with spiritual themes. His albumMarcus Garvey is considered one of the greatest reggae albums ever made
3. Black Uhuru- One of the first commercially successful reggae groups who achieved international recognition in the 1970s. They are best known for their hits “Shine Eye Gal” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”
4. Israel Vibration- A roots reggae group, featuring Lascelle “Wiss” Bulgin, Clevie Browne (drums), and Albert Craig (keyboards). Their music often consists of harmony vocals, accompanied by guitar, drums, and bass.
5. Barrington Levy- A Jamaican reggae singer who was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His hit songs include “She’s Mine” and “Under Me Sensi.”
Toots and the Maytals
Toots and the Maytals, originally called simply The Maytals, are a Jamaican reggae/ska band from the 1960s. The group was led by Toots Hibbert, and they had a number of hits throughout the years including “Do the Reggay,” “Monkey Man,” and “Pressure Drop.” The Maytals were one of the first groups to use the word “reggae” in their songs, and they are considered one of the most important groups in Jamaican music history.
