Jamaican music created in the late 50’s to the present day is thought of by many as all being “reggae”. Reggae history actually has gone through many forms, all with different names. That which most people are familiar with, thanks to the international success of Bob Marley and the Wailers, is Roots Reggae. There is a wealth of music before and after this Roots period, just as important but not as well known outside of the island of Jamaica.



In the 1950’s, Jamaica was pumping the sounds of American R’n’B music. This was an important time for what was to come in the evolution of Jamaican music because local DJ’s had begun to assemble portable sound systems to play this music on for block parties and outside gatherings. Because many Jamaicans did not have access to personal radios, these sound systems were the only way to hear new music, and thus became very significant social gatherings.

At around the same time that the US began to focus on Rock and Roll, Jamaicans were apparently ready for their own thing. Influenced by Soul and R’n’B, a form of music that Jamaicans could call their own, known as Ska, was born. It maintained a quick tempo, and was unique for its syncopated up-beat played by the guitar. Prince Buster is considered the first to create this and play it for the masses with his sound system. It was so well received that other sound system DJ’s had to keep up by hiring musicians of their own to make this music. Coxone Dodd eventually ran three sound systems of his own, and was a very significant figure in this period in the history of reggae music.

By the mid-60’s, a new form of music was evolving and taking over popularity in Jamaica called Rock Steady. With this style, the beat was slowed down and the emphasis was shifted to vocals. This slowed down tempo also left more room for the bass line to leave holes in its rhythm, as opposed to the walking lines heard in ska. This is the stage that Bob Marley and the Wailers first made an appearance, along with The Melodians, John Holt, The Heptones, and many others.

The 70’s saw the creation and international success of Roots Reggae. With this style, the tempo was slowed down even more, and the electric bass was lower and more prominent in the mix. Along with this change in musical approach was the increased intensity and depth of the lyrical content. Influenced by suffering, corrupt politicians and police, and the religion of Rastafari, the lyrics of Roots music ranged from powerful protest music to beautiful spiritual music. It had a passion that moved (and still moves) people around the globe.

With the creation of electronic music and the desire for a new sound and identity, Dancehall Reggae was born. The sound of Dancehall was very much in contrast with the mellow and righteous vibe of Roots. Its beats were sped up, made by keyboards and drum machines, and often did not even have a bassline. The Dancehall Reggae lyrics were as righteous as those of Roots Reggae, and often dealt with issues of “slackness”. King Jammy was one significant producer of this music, and Yellowman, Eek-A-Mouse, Josie Whales, and Barrington Levy were popular deejays and singers. DJ Kool Herc, who was from Jamaica and later moved to New York, had a massive impact on American music. He used the Jamaican style of deejaying and toasting on the mic, along with his unique style of mixing between two of the same records in order to extend and modify its beat, to help create what would become known as hip-hop music.

In the 90’s, Reggae history is moving right along, dancehall began to show influence of Roots rhythms and ideology. With a focus back to Rastafari, artists such as Sizzla, Capleton, Anthony B, and Buju Banton, have become world famous musicians.

This is a very brief overview of the evolution of reggae music. It has other significant genres such as Lover’s Rock and Dub, which should also be explored. Its effect on modern electronic music is profound. Reggae rhythms, bass lines, and vocal styles are commonly heard in Hip-Hop, Jungle, House, and modern day Dub.

That's the skinny on the history of Reggae music.