Jamaican Music History
Rocksteady: Jamaican Soul Music
In the annals of Jamaican music, the chapter on Rocksteady stands as a soulful interlude, bridging the gap between the exuberance of Ska and the more laid-back groove and often militant sounds of Reggae. Emerging in the mid-1960s, Rocksteady marked a pivotal moment in the island’s musical evolution, introducing a slower tempo and smoother sound that resonated with heartfelt emotions.
One of the defining features of Rocksteady was its focus on love and romance, evident in timeless tracks like Alton Ellis’ “I’m Still In Love With You Girl.” This track encapsulates the essence of the genre, marrying soulful and romantic lyrics with a rhythm that invites listeners to sway and dance up close in Rub-a-Dub style.
With a lot of emphasis on harmony, soulful vocals, and prominent basslines, rocksteady music heralded the dominance of vocal groups, The Heptones “Why Did You Leave,” The Paragons “The Tide Is High,” The Melodians “You Have Caught Me Baby,” The Techniques “Queen Majesty,” The Uniques “Conversation” and The Gaylads “Joy In The Morning.” Music producers Coxsone Dodd, Duke Reid, Sonia Pottinger and Bunny Lee played major roles in the shaping of rocksteady music, as did the enormous influence of American singer/songwriter Curtis Mayfield. American vocal groups such as The Impressions, The Temptations and The Four Tops were also very influential in the development of rocksteady music.
As the sounds of rocksteady reverberated beyond the shores of Jamaica, non-Jamaican artists paid homage, infusing its soulful vibe into their own musical creations. In the U.S., bands like No Doubt embraced rocksteady in their album “Rock Steady,” featuring tracks like “Underneath It All” that echo the genre’s smooth and laid-back aesthetic. In the UK, the influence of rocksteady continues to resonate through bands like The Specials. Their track “Ghost Town” incorporates rocksteady elements, capturing the socio-political unrest of the time while paying tribute to Jamaican musical roots.
As we explore the harmonic threads of rocksteady, from the heartfelt vocals to the infectious basslines, we witness a musical genre that not only shaped the cultural identity of Jamaica but also left an enduring imprint on the global music scene.