Check Out Roots Rock Reggae Music in NYC

If you’re in NYC and looking for something to do, check out some roots rock reggae music. Here are some of the best places to go.

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Reggae in NYC

Roots rock reggae music has its origins in the late 1960s, when Jamaican musicians began fusing elements of rock and roll with traditional Jamaican music. This new sound quickly became popular in Jamaica and soon spread to the UK, where it found a large audience among working-class youth. In the 1970s and 1980s, reggae music became a global phenomenon, with artists like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Dennis Brown, and Gregory Isaacs becoming household names. Today, reggae music is as popular as ever, and you can find it being played in clubs and bars all over NYC.

The history of reggae in NYC

Reggae music has its roots in the African and Caribbean communities of New York City. The genre first gained popularity in the Big Apple in the 1970s, thanks to the work of DJ Kool Herc and other pioneers of hip-hop. In the years since, reggae has become an important part of NYC’s musical identity, with countless clubs and venues hosting reggae nights on a regular basis.

Today, you can find reggae influences in all kinds of music coming out of NYC, from hip-hop to house. And if you’re looking to experience some authentic roots reggae, there are plenty of places to check out live music throughout the city. So put on your dancing shoes and get ready to move your feet to the beat of NYC’s reggae scene!

The influence of reggae in NYC

Reggae music has been a part of NYC’s musical landscape for decades, and the city has long been home to a vibrant and thriving community of reggae fans and musicians. Reggae’s influence can be heard in the music of many of NYC’s top hip-hop and R&B artists, and the city has also played host to some of the genre’s biggest stars, including Bob Marley, who famously performed in NYC in 1976.

Today, there are plenty of ways to enjoy reggae music in NYC, from live shows and club nights to radio stations and record stores. Here are just a few of the best places to check out reggae in NYC.

Live Shows:
Reggae shows are a common occurrence in NYC, with many venues hosting regular events. Some of the city’s top reggae venues include B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, SOB’s, and the Knitting Factory Brooklyn.

Club Nights:
There are also several regular club nights that feature reggae music, including roots night at Brooklyn’s Barbes and Reggae Got Soul at Manhattan’s Le Poisson Rouge.

Radio Stations:
For those looking to enjoy reggae music without leaving home, there are plenty of great options on the radio. New York City is home to several reggae-focused radio stations, including Jamaican Radio (106.7 FM) and IRIE Jam Radio (92.3 FM).

Record Stores:
finally, no discussion of reggae in NYC would be complete without mentioning the city’s many great record stores that specialize in the genre. Some of our favorites include Black Gold Records (Brooklyn),VP Records (Queens),and House of Wu Music & Video (Manhattan).

The best places to listen to reggae in NYC

NYC is home to some of the best reggae clubs in the world. If you’re a fan of reggae music, then you should definitely check out some of these places. You can find roots rock reggae, ska, and dub music in many of these clubs.

Clubs

Even though the genre has its roots in Jamaica, these days you don’t have to leave New York City to get your reggae fix. From long-standing hotspots like S.O.B.’s to newer joints like Output, Brooklyn has become a go-to destination for reggae fans in recent years. And with good reason: the borough is home to some of the best reggae clubs in NYC. Here are our favorites.

S.O.B.’s
Since its founding in 1986, S.O.B.’s has been one of the best places to listen to reggae in NYC—and it continues to be today. The club, which is located in the West Village, hosts both local and international acts, and there’s always something going on, whether it’s a dancehall party or a live band performance. If you’re looking for a casual spot to listen to some good music and have a few drinks with friends, SOB’s is the place for you.

Output
Output is one of the newest additions to the Brooklyn reggae scene—and it’s already making waves. The club, which opened its doors in 2013, has quickly become known for its cutting-edge sound system and amazing views of Manhattan (not to mention its killer cocktail menu). If you want to experience cutting-edge reggae music in a truly unique setting, Output is the place for you.

The Boiler Room
The Boiler Room is another newish player on the Brooklyn reggae scene, but it’s quickly become one of our favorites thanks to its great atmosphere and killer lineup of DJs and live bands.Located in Bushwick, The Boiler Room is the perfect place to catch a new up-and-coming artist or dance all night to some of your old favorites—and with an outdoor patio that overlooks Brooklyn, it doesn’t hurt that the club also boasts some pretty amazing views.

Radio stations

Reggae music lovers in New York City can find several radio stations that play the genre, both on the airwaves and online.

WWPR-FM, also known as Power 105.1, is a contemporary hit radio station that occasionally plays reggae songs during its regular programming. The station can be heard at 105.1 FM in NYC and online at power1051.com.

WBLS-FM, or 107.5 WBLS, is another contemporary hit radio station that occasionally features reggae songs in its rotation. The station can be tuned in to at 107.5 FM in NYC and online at wbls.com.

Hot 97 is a rhythmic contemporary hit radio station that airs some reggae songs alongside its regular mix of hip hop, R&B, and dance music. The station can be caught at 97.1 FM in NYC or online at hot97.com.

Reggae fans can also listen to dedicated reggae radio stations to get their fix of the genre 24/7. One such station is Reggae141, which can be streamed online at reggae141.com or via the TuneIn app.

Reggaeton 93 likewise offers around-the-clock reggae streaming via its website,regaeton93nyc.com, or on the TuneIn app as well.

Music festivals

Reggae music has its origins in the island of Jamaica, and the New York City area is home to a large number of Jamaican-Americans. As a result, there are many places where you can go to enjoy reggae music. Here are some of the best places to listen to reggae in NYC:

-The Red Lion: This bar in Greenwich Village is one of the most popular places to listen to reggae in NYC. They have live music every night, and there is no cover charge.
-SOB’s: This club in SoHo is another great place to enjoy reggae music. They offer a variety of Jamaican food, and they also have live music on some nights.
-The Island: This club in Brooklyn is a great place to listen to reggae and dance. They have a spacious dance floor and a variety of Jamaican food and drink options.

These are just a few of the many great places to listen to reggae in NYC. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some good music and good vibes, any of these destinations would be a great choice.

The best reggae artists from NYC

Bob Marley

Bob Marley is almost single-handedly responsible for making reggae music popular all over the world. His group, The Wailers, released some of the genre’s most iconic tracks, like “No Woman, No Cry” and “One Love.” Even if you’re not a fan of reggae music, you probably know who Bob Marley is. He’s one of the most legendary musicians of all time.

Lee “Scratch” Perry

No other artist has had as much of an influence on the development of reggae music than Lee “Scratch” Perry. Born in Kissimmee, Florida in 1936, Perry moved to Brooklyn, New York in the 1950s. It was there that he began his musical career, playing in various R&B and doo-wop groups. He eventually moved to Jamaica where he became involved in the burgeoning ska and rocksteady scene. He quickly made a name for himself as a producer, working with artists like Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Congos, and Max Romeo. He is credited with helping to develop the dub style of reggae music and is considered one of the most important and influential figures in reggae history.

Burning Spear

If you’re looking for the best reggae artists from NYC, look no further than Burning Spear. This roots rock reggae band has been making music since the 1970s, and their sound is as fresh and relevant today as it was back then.

Burning Spear is one of the most iconic reggae bands of all time, and their influence can be heard in the music of many contemporary artists. If you’re a fan of reggae, or just good music in general, you owe it to yourself to check out Burning Spear.