Still Here: The Best Reggae Music
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Still Here: The Best Reggae Music is a blog dedicated to showcasing the best reggae music from around the world. We feature new and established artists alike, and strive to provide a fresh perspective on the genre.
The History of Reggae
Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae was first used to describe this new style of music in 1968, in a column written by the Jamaican journalist and musician Elliot Leigh Mais.
Where Reggae Came From
Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The word reggae is said to come from the phrase “raggedy clothes” which was used to describe the style of clothing worn by poor Jamaicans. The music is a mix of African, Jamaican, and Caribbean sounds and is often political or religious in nature.
Reggae was most popular in the 1970s when artists like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff became international stars. The genre has since undergone a number of changes, but remains popular today with fans all over the world.
The Pioneers of Reggae
Reggae music has its roots in the African-American music of the United States, specifically in the form of blues, jazz, and R&B. But it was in Jamaica that reggae really came into its own, thanks to a handful of musical pioneers who helped to shape the sound and style of the genre.
One of the most important early figures in reggae was Clement Dodd, a Jamaican record producer who founded Studio One, one of the island’s most influential recording studios. Dodd nurtured the careers of many reggae greats, including Bob Marley, Burning Spear, and Lee “Scratch” Perry.
Another major influence on early reggae was Duke Reid, another Jamaican record producer who founded Treasure Isle Records. Reid helped to develop the sound of ska, a precursor to reggae that was hugely popular in Jamaica in the 1960s. Artists like Desmond Dekker, Toots and the Maytals, and The Skatalites recorded some of their biggest hits at Treasure Isle.
Reggae’s golden age began in the 1970s with the rise of Bob Marley and his band The Wailers. Marley’s blend of politics, spirituality, and positive vibes struck a chord with people all over the world, and he became an international superstar. His bandmate Peter Tosh also had a successful solo career; together, Marley and Tosh helped put reggae on the map.
Other important figures in 1970s reggae include Burning Spear, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Black Uhuru, and Junior Murvin. These artists continued to develop reggae’s distinctive sound and spread its message of peace and love throughout the world.
The Best Reggae Songs
If you are a fan of Reggae music, then you know that this genre has a lot to offer. There are many great songs that have been released over the years, but some are better than others. In this article, we will take a look at the best Reggae songs of all time.
“One Love” by Bob Marley
One Love by Bob Marley is one of the most well-known and beloved reggae songs of all time. The song speaks of unity and love, and its message is still relevant today. The song has been covered by many artists, but Marley’s version is still the most iconic.
“No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley
Released in 1974, “No Woman, No Cry” is one of Bob Marley’s most iconic songs. The reggae ballad is a love letter to Marley’s then girlfriend, Rita Anderson, and was written while the couple was living in a squatter’s camp in Trenchtown, Kingston. The song became an instant hit, reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart. In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it number 37 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”.
“Redemption Song” by Bob Marley
“Redemption Song” is one of Bob Marley’s most famous and well-loved songs. The song is about Marley’s personal views on emancipation and freedom, and the lyrics are simple yet profound. The song has a very catchy melody and is sure to get stuck in your head after just a few listens.
The Best Reggae Artists
Jamaica has given the world some of the best music and the best musicians. Reggae music is one of the most popular genres of music today and it is enjoyed by people all over the world. The reggae artists on this list are some of the best in the business and they have all made a significant contribution to the genre.
Bob Marley
He is considered one of the most influential musicians of all time, and his best known album, “Exodus”, is one of the greatest albums ever made. Marley’s music was deeply rooted in the struggles of the Jamaican people, and he used his music to spread a message of love and peace.
Buju Banton
Buju Banton is a Jamaican reggae artist who achieved many mainstream hits with his unique brand of dancehall and reggae. He is best known for his 1992 breakout hit “Boom Bye Bye”, as well as other hits like “Destiny” and “Not an Easy Road”. Banton has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, and he has won several reggae awards throughout his career. He is considered one of the most influential reggae artists of all time, and he continues to be a popular figure in the Jamaican music scene.
Beenie Man
Beenie Man, born Anthony Moses Davis on August 22, 1973, is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist. He is widely considered one of the greatest dancehall artists of all time.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Beenie Man began his music career at the age of eight, when he won the Tastee Talent Contest. He signed with Virgin Records in 1993 and released his debut album, The Doctor, in 1994. The album was a commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Beenie Man’s follow-up albums, Many Moods of Moses (1995) and Art & Life (1997), were also commercially successful, selling over two million copies combined. In 1998, he collaborated with fellow Jamaican artist Bounty Killer on the song “Who Am I,” which became a worldwide hit.
In 1999, Beenie Man released his fourth studio album, Back to Basics. The album was a critical and commercial success, winning the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards.
Beenie Man has since released eight more studio albums, including the Grammy-nominated albums Unstoppable (2007) and Reggae Party Anthems (2011). He has also been featured on numerous compilation albums and has collaborated with many other artists, including Justin Bieber, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Missy Elliott, and Flo Rida.
