Jamaican Music

Discovering Jamaican Music is another island adventure you can take: another activity unique to this tropical island. Whether it is visiting the birthplace of reggaes Bob Marley or attending one of the many Jazz festivals, a visit to Jamaica isn't complete without some reference to it's music. [Video lower down!]

...and there is no doubt about it, the most widely identifiable form of Jamaican music is reggae. This is why when we think of Jamaica and its sparkling beaches, the background music we hear in our heads is mostly likely a song by Bob Marley.

The international popularity of Marley and reggae that began in the mid-70s put Jamaica on the musical map, and called the world's attention to other forms of music born in Jamaica.

Reggae, while largely influenced by American rock and roll, soul, and rhythm and blues, at the same time has very distinctive African and Caribbean qualities that somehow make it sound like perfect paradise island music. There are many other types of music in Jamaica but, for sure, this is where you'll get the most authentic reggae experience you'll ever have.

Reggae and Bob Marley

Along with Bob Marley and the Wailers, other pioneers of the reggae genre include Desmond Dekker, Jackie Mittoo, Prince Buster, and producers like Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Duke Reid, and King Tubby.

Bob Marley's music was first introduced to American music audiences when Eric Clapton made his famous cover of 'I Shot the Sheriff' in 1974. The next year, despite the breakup of The Wailers' original lineup including Peter McIntosh and Bunny Livingston (Bunny Wailer), Marley made his own international breakthrough with the song 'No Woman, No Cry' and became the most recognizable name and face of Jamaican music worldwide.

Reggae music is associated with the Rastafari movement, popularly upheld by Bob Marley.

Rastafarian principles that resonate through Marley's music are strong political views regarding peace, injustice, and the uplifting of the African race. This is why Bob Marley is usually regarded as a messianic and revolutionary figure by many followers. His Rasta dreadlocks have become the signature hairstyle of reggae musicians and fans worldwide.

The legendary musician died of cancer in 1981, but he was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit one month before his death. Bob Marley remains the most internationally awarded Jamaican musician of our time. If you are visiting Jamaica, you can go on a memorable trip to his birthplace in Nine Mile, Saint Ann and his final resting place nearby.

And here is the legendary Bob Marley, performing at a rehearsal in Kingston one year before his death. Lasts for two minutes and fourteen seconds and ends with a few phrases about the rastafarian movement. Great historical piece, "Forever Lovin' Yah". Turn up the sound and dance mon!--->

Other Jamaican Music

An earlier form of music from which reggae is descended is called mento, which combines Jamaican folk music with influences of calypso from Trinidad.

In the early 60s, a very fast and danceable sound called ska was developed. 'Oh! Carolina' by the Folkes Brothers (1960) and 'Simmer Down' by The Wailers (1963) are some of the earlier ska hits.

Rocksteady was another style that came out a little later, as a slower and more vocals-oriented departure from ska.

The popularity of reggae in the 1970s paved the way for the 80s and 90s ragga and dancehall Jamaican music styles, known for its combination of electronic sampling and 'toasting,' or chant-like singing that directly influenced American rap.

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