Jamaican Music History
Reggae Music: The Global Jamaican Sound
Reggae, the heartbeat of Jamaica, emerged in the late 1960s as a musical expression deeply rooted in the island’s history and culture. The genre’s birth was a response to the evolving social and political climate on the Island, and blended influences from mento, ska, and rocksteady into a distinctive sound that would capture the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Pioneered by artists such as Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Peter Tosh, Third World, Burning Spear, and Dennis Brown, as well as music producers such as Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, Sly & Robbie and Lee “Scratch” Perry, reggae was characterized by its offbeat rhythms, socially conscious lyrics, and a unique blend of influences. Bob Marley’s “One Love” became an anthem of unity, echoing the spirit of the reggae movement, Toots and the Maytals’ “Pressure Drop” showcased the genre’s infectious energy, and Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come” sends a message of perseverance and resilience.
Jamaican reggae’s influence expanded far beyond its Caribbean origins, becoming a symbol of cultural identity, resistance, and a call for social change. In the United States, the genre found resonance in the burgeoning counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Bob Marley’s “Buffalo Soldier” and “Redemption Song” served as anthems of rebellion and empowerment, influencing a generation.
In the United Kingdom, reggae became intertwined with the cultural fabric, especially in areas with significant Caribbean communities. The rise of British reggae bands like Steel Pulse “Chant A Psalm”, Aswad “Don’t Turn Around” and UB40 ”Here I Am (Come And Take Me)” further solidified reggae’s place in the international music industry. The Police, with tracks like “Roxanne,” infused reggae into their new wave and rock sound, creating a global sensation that showcased the genre’s adaptability. In 1974 British rocker Eric Clapton scored a major global hit with his re-recording of Bob Marley’s “I Shot The Sheriff”.
Reggae’s universal appeal led to and was propelled by creative collaborations between Jamaican artists and major international stars such as Stevie Wonder with Third World on “Try Jah Love” and Mick Jagger with Peter Tosh on “Walk & Don’t Look Back”. Many non-Jamaican artists have been inspired to incorporate reggae into their repertoire. In the U.S., bands like Sublime fused reggae with punk and ska influences, creating a distinctive sound. Their track “What I Got” is a testament to reggae’s ability to seamlessly blend with diverse genres, attracting a broad audience. Other U.S.-based reggae bands like Rebelution “Roots Reggae Music” have become immensely popular on the American live music and festival circuit. Reggae, with its roots deeply embedded in Jamaican soil, has become a global phenomenon, uniting people across continents through its infectious rhythms and soul-stirring messages. Argentina’s Dread Mar I “Tu Sin Mi” is a testament to this phenomenon.