The Best Reggae Music Books to Check Out

Looking for the best reggae music books to check out? Here are our top picks!

The Harder They Come

The Harder They Come is a 1972 Jamaican crime film directed by Perry Henzell and starring Jimmy Cliff. It is one of the most influential films to come out of Jamaica, and helped to popularize reggae internationally. The soundtrack, featuring songs performed by Cliff, is also world-renowned and has been named one of the greatest film soundtracks of all time.

Catch a Fire

Catch a Fire: The Story of Bob Marley and the Wailers is the story of how a young man from the slums of Jamaica went on to become one of the most influential musicians of our time. Written by acclaimed music journalist Timothy White, this biography offers an intimate portrait of the man and the legend, taking us inside Marley’s world to reveal the forces that shaped him and his music. With insight and compassion, White brings us closer than ever before to understanding both the man and his message, making Catch a Fire an essential addition to any reggae fan’s collection.

Marley

Marley is a good starting point for those new to reggae. It gives the reader an overview of how the music began, as well as insight into some of the biggest names in reggae. This book is also a great choice for those who are already familiar with the genre, as it provides a fresh perspective on its history and development.

Legend

For any reggae fan, Bob Marley is the undisputed king. His impact on the genre is undeniable, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians. If you’re looking to learn more about reggae, there are many great books about the history and culture of the music. Here are a few of our favorites.

“Legend: The Definitive Biography of Bob Marley” by James Henke is an in-depth look at the life and career of the reggae icon. Henke draws on interviews with Marley’s family and friends, as well as numerous other sources, to paint a detailed portrait of the man and his music.

“Reggae Routes: The Story of Jamaican Music” by Kevin Moore is a comprehensive history of reggae, from its roots in mento and ska to its development into different subgenres like dub and dancehall. Moore weaves together personal anecdotes, interviews, and historical research to create a fascinating account of reggae’s journey from Jamaica to the world stage.

“The Harder They Come: The Story of Jamaican Music” by Colin Larkin is another excellent history of reggae, focusing on the golden age of the 1960s and 1970s. Larkin chronicles the rise of stars like Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Lee “Scratch” Perry, as well as the socioeconomic factors that allowed reggae to flourish in Jamaica during this period.

Whether you’re a diehard fan or just getting started in your exploration of reggae, these books are sure to give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the music.

Exodus

Exodus is a novel by American author Jeffrey Archer, published in 2006. The book is Archer’s fictional account of the life of Moses, adapted from the Bible and other sources.

Archer researched Exodus thoroughly before writing it, and he drew on both biblical and non-biblical sources for his depiction of Moses’ life. He also used his own imagination in some instances, such as when he had Moses meet with an angel.

Exodus was a commercial success, reaching the top of the bestseller lists in the UK and US. It received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Archer’s story-telling abilities and others finding fault with his characterization of Moses.

One Love

We love reggae music here at Bookstr, and we know that a lot of our readers feel the same way! Reggae is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s, and it has since gone on to gain popularity all over the world. Reggae is known for its catchy rhythms, its focus on peace and love, and its ability to make people smile and dance.

If you’re a fan of reggae music, then you’ll definitely want to check out some of the best reggae music books out there. These books will introduce you to the history and culture of reggae music, they’ll teach you how to play some of the most popular reggae songs, and they’ll even give you some tips on how to start your own reggae band! So whether you’re looking to learn more about this amazing genre of music or you just want to find some new tunes to jam out to, be sure to check out these reggae books.

Burnin’

Burnin’ is a reggae music book by Roger Steffens and Leroy Jodie Pierson. Published in 1978, it is one of the most famous and well-respected reggae books ever written.

Rastaman vibration

A 1976 book by Roger Steffens and Lee Jampolsky, Rastaman Vibration is one of the essential reggae music books. It chronicles the origins of reggae music and Rastafarianism, from the birth of Ska in Jamaica to the international explosion of reggae in the 1970s.

If you want to understand reggae music, this is one of the best places to start. It’s also one of the most photos, with over 200 black-and-white images of reggae icons like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Burning Spear.