A Brief History of Reggae Music

A quick, but in-depth look at the history of reggae music and how it came to be the genre we know and love today.

The Origins of Reggae

Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term reggae encompasses ska, rocksteady, and dub music. Reggae is characterized by a 4/4 time signature, offbeat rhythms, and bass-heavy sound. The music is often used as a vehicle for social and political commentary. Reggae has its roots in African and Jamaican folk music.

Ska

Ska is a style of music that originated in Jamaica in the 1950s. It is a lively, danceable style that is highly influenced by African and Caribbean musical traditions. Ska was the precursor to reggae music and was initially popularized by Jamaican artists such as Prince Buster and the Skatalites.

Rocksteady

Rocksteady is a style of Jamaican popular music that developed in the late 1960s, initially as a slower offshoot of ska and then as a development of reggae. Rocksteady was the last great wave of mainstream ska and one of the most influential sounds in Jamaican popular culture. The rocksteady beat can be distinguished from that of earlier ska by its slower tempo (usually around 60–68 beats per minute) and more accentuated drum and bass sound. Like most forms of Jamaican popular music, rocksteady was created by people who had come from rural areas to work in Kingston’s burgeoning tourist economy.

The word “rocksteady” is derived from a dance style that was mentioned in the Alton Ellis song “Rock Steady” (1967). By 1967, most disc jockeys were playing ska music slow enough for dancers to be able to dance the rock Steady. This new slow style caught on with slowed-down versions of reggae songs becoming hits on the radio. Cleveland Croft’s “Foundation Rock”, an early cut from Toots & The Maytals’ 1968 Funky Kingston album, is generally credited as being the first rocksteady song. Also Black Uhuru’s “Sitting In The Park” (1975), Alton Ellis’ “Reggae Hit The Town” (1973), Big Youth’s version of Philip James’ “The Killer” and Gregory Isaacs’ “Night Nurse”.

The Rise of Reggae

Reggae music has its roots in African and Caribbean music, and is typically characterized by a strong beat and a focus on rhythm. The genre first rose to prominence in the 1960s, when it became the soundtrack for the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica. Reggae went on to become a global phenomenon in the 1970s, thanks in part to the popularity of Bob Marley.

The Wailers

The Wailers were a Jamaican reggae band formed in 1963. Originally comprising Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh, the band went through a number of changes before dissolving in 1974. They recorded some of the earliest reggae records. The Wailers were one of the most prominent groups in the history of reggae music; their best-known lineup included Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh.

The band rose to international prominence with their 1973 album Catch a Fire, which was released to critical acclaim; it is credited with helping to bring reggae to a wider audience outside of Jamaica. The album included their hit single “I Shot the Sheriff”, which brought them to the attention of a global audience.

Following the release of Catch a Fire, the band embarked on their first international tour, which took them to America and Europe. They performed at a number of prestigious venues, including the New York Apollo Theater and London’s Hammersmith Odeon. The tour was a success, and helped to increase the band’s popularity.

The Wailers went on to release a number of other successful albums, including Burnin’ (1973), Natty Dread (1974), Rastaman Vibration (1976), and Exodus (1977). The latter album was especially successful, reaching the top ten in several countries and becoming one of the best-selling reggae albums of all time.

The Wailers disbanded in 1974, but Bob Marley continued to record and perform as a solo artist. He remained one of the most popular musicians in the world until his death in 1981. The Wailers were posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

Bob Marley

Reggae music has its roots in Jamaica, and is often associated with the Rastafari movement. The music first gained popularity in the 1960s, with artists such as Bob Marley, Ernie Smith, and Jimmy Cliff. Reggae later gained popularity in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. In the 1970s, reggae became more influenced by disco and pop music, with artists such as Dennis Brown and Gregory Isaacs. In the 1980s, digital technology helped to create new sounds in reggae, with artists such as Shabba Ranks and Buju Banton. Reggae has since continued to evolve, with new styles such as dancehall and dubstep gaining popularity in the 21st century.

The Legacy 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 type of music in 1968. Reggae is a word that comes from the Rastafarian religion and means “the king’s music.” Reggae music is a mix of African and Jamaican music. It is a music that is very spiritual and is often related to the Rastafarian religion.

Reggae in the 21st Century

Reggae music has continued to evolve in the 21st century, with new subgenres and styles emerging. One of the most popular new genres is dancehall, a style of reggae that is more uptempo and often features explicit lyrics.

Another popular subgenre is roots reggae, which is a more traditional and spiritual form of the music. This style often features social or political commentary in the lyrics.

Reggae music has also been influenced by other genres, such as hip hop, R&B, and pop. This has led to the creation of new hybrid genres like rapso (a combination of rap and calypso) and dubstep (a combination of dub reggae and electronic dance music).

Despite its humble origins, reggae music has become a global phenomenon, paving the way for other Jamaican musical genres like ska, rocksteady, and dub. It remains an important part of Jamaican culture and has been embraced by many other cultures around the world.