A Brief History of Reggae Music

A reggae history blog post discussing the origins and early development of the reggae music genre.

Origins of Reggae

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae was first used in 1968 with the release of the song “Do the Reggay” by The Maytals. Reggae is usually played at a slow tempo and is characterized by its heavy bass and drum sound. The music is often used as a form of protest against social injustice.

Ska and Rocksteady

The two genres that would eventually give birth to reggae–ska and rocksteady–developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, respectively. Ska was developed by Jamaican musicians who blended aspects of traditional mento and calypso music with R&B, jazz, and African musical traditions. The result was a fast-paced, guitar- and horn-driven sound that was often played in an up-tempo 2/4 time signature. Rocksteady took its cues from ska, but featured a slower, more relaxed beat that was often played in a 4/4 time signature.

By the late 1960s, many Jamaican musicians had begun to experiment with incorporating elements of Rastafarianism into their music. This new style of music–which came to be known as reggae–featured a slower, more deliberate beat than either ska or rocksteady, and its lyrics often dealt with political and social issues from a Rastafarian perspective. Reggae quickly became hugely popular in Jamaica, and soon began to gain international attention as well.

In the 1970s, reggae spread beyond Jamaica’s shores, thanks in part to the success of Jamaican-born musician Bob Marley. Marley’s distinctive vocal style and stirring lyrics helped make him one of the most popular (and controversial) figures in not just reggae, but in all of popular music. His recordings with his band the Wailers–including such classics as “No Woman No Cry,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” and “Exodus”–brought reggae to an international audience and helped make it one of the most widely-recognized genres in the world.

The Rise of Reggae

Reggae music has its origins in the late 1960s, in the small island nation of Jamaica. At the time, the island was going through a period of great political turmoil, and the music reflected that. Reggae became a way for the people of Jamaica to express their frustrations and their hope for a better future. The music quickly spread beyond Jamaica, and today it is enjoyed all over the world.

The Wailers and Bob Marley

The Wailers, who started out as a ska group in 1963, are considered one of the most important groups in the history of reggae music. The band was fronted by Bob Marley, who is often credited with helping to bring reggae to a worldwide audience. The Wailers had several hits in the 1970s, including “No Woman, No Cry,” “Jamming,” and “Stir It Up.” The group disbanded in 1974, but Bob Marley continued to record and perform as a solo artist. He remained hugely popular throughout the rest of his life, and he is now considered one of the most influential musicians of all time.

The Spread of Reggae

Reggae music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The earliest form of the music was called ska, which was popularized by artists like Bob Marley and The Wailers. Reggae music is typically characterized by a heavy bass line, drum and percussion rhythms, and lyrics that are often political or spiritual in nature. The music has been adopted by many cultures around the world, and has become especially popular in the African-American and Latino communities in the United States.

Reggae in the UK

Reggae’s popularity was initially confined to Jamaica, but it quickly spread to British Commonwealth countries such as the UK, Canada and Australia. The British reggae scene was nurtured by sound system culture, which had emerged in the 1950s. Reggae arrived in the UK on board the Windrush generation ship in 1948, when Jamaicans were invited to help with post-war reconstruction. By the early 1960s, there were already a number of Jamaican-run sound systems operating in London.

In 1967, Chris Blackwell founded Island Records, which helped to bring reggae to a wider audience with artists such as Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff. The Wailers’ 1974 album Catch a Fire was particularly influential; its blend of reggae and rock helped to make reggae more palatable to Western audiences. Reggae also found its way into other genres such as punk and ska; both movements had close ties to the UK’s Jamaican community.

The 1980s saw the rise of roots reggae and dancehall, which enjoyed mainstream success in the UK thanks to artists like Aswad and Maxi Priest. In the 1990s and 2000s, British-born artists such as Ms. Dynamite and Wiley brought their own spin to reggae and helped to keep the genre fresh. Reggae continues to be popular in the UK today, with a new generation of artists keeping the sound alive.

The Legacy of Reggae

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae encompasses ska, rocksteady, dub, and dancehall. Reggae is characterized by a 4/4 time signature, offbeat rhythms, and Rastafarian lyrics. Reggae has its roots in African music, but it was also influenced by American jazz and rhythm and blues.

Contemporary Reggae

Contemporary reggae is a wide-ranging genre that covers many different subgenres and styles. While its roots are in Jamaica, contemporary reggae can be found all over the world, with artists incorporating elements of dancehall, dub, hip hop, R&B, and more.

Reggae’s popularity has waxed and waned over the years, but it has always maintained a dedicated following. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the genre, with artists like Chronixx, Protoje, and Kabaka Pyramid leading the way.

Contemporary reggae is as diverse as it is ever-changing, making it an exciting and vibrant genre that is sure to continue to evolve in the years to come.