Next, the late 50’s and early 60’s was the evolvement of “Ska”. Being a Jamaican musician’s interpretation of R&B, Ska changed the emphasis from the first and third beats of a piece of music, to the second and fourth beats. The new offbeat style became the identity mark of Jamaican music.
First Ska, then came Rock Steady, developing into what is now known as Reggae. Reggae involves the deliberate upstroke of the guitar, a strummed beat and a dominant vocal style. The strumming sound made by the guitar in the music's beat is what distinguishes a piece of Reggae music.
The first ever reggae tune was “Nanny Goat”, by Larry and Alvin. Millie Small, and her debut single “My Boy Lollipop” was the perfect example of the success that this new generation of peppy horn melodies and up tempo vocal sounds. “My Boy Lollipop” was the song responsible for creating a massive explosion of Reggae music in the local industry. During the Reggae era, artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, Jimmy Cliff, King Stich and Burning Spear started to emerge and incorporate the offbeat syncopated music style of Reggae into their songs, transforming the songs into popular hits. Bob Marley was born in 1945 and he first joined Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer to form ‘The Wailers’. Then he produced his own soul, rock steady (romantic soul), ska and close harmony ‘doo-wop’ style songs, for example ‘Catch a fire’ and ‘I shot the Sheriff’.
With the war era of the 60’s approaching, reggae finally took form with a mellow beat, conscious and emotional lyrics and bands that spoke the words of the people. The spiritual influence of reggae captured fans worldwide and for the first time ever; reggae was a real influence internationally. Bob Marley and the Wailers produced songs of hope and freedom that related to the wars happening between Vietnam. The song “War” by Bob Marley and the Wailers impacted the world. These reggae musicians were the deliverers of native Jamaican music to the worldwide audience, sharing its significant and emotional messages of social change and love throughout the world.
Burning Spear, Culture, Mighty Diamonds and Israel Vibrations followed on from Bob Marley and the Wailers. Then came the experimental 70’s. It was a new stage in the evolution of the art form. The birth of dancehall, with sound clashes playing quietly in the background and flexible lyrics, came unexpectedly. Daddy Uroy emerged as a pioneer in the creation of this new sound.
The 80’s gradually came into being and Bob Marley passed away at the age of 36 due to lung cancer and a brain tumour. With him gone, it was left to the upcoming acts to carry on his works. Yellow Man was one of them, and Blood Fire Posse carried out their first US Tour. Their single “Get Flat” played on radio stations worldwide. With the mainstream band influence infecting Jamaica, Third World emerged with sweet melodies and a unique blend of contemporary music and Reggae. They produced hits such as “96 degrees in the shade”, “Sense Of Purpose”, and “Try Jah Love”. Chalice came on the scene with the mega hits “Trapped” and “Reggae Symphony”. Shabba Ranks became the first dancehall artist to sign a major contract. This triggered the rebirth of Reggae music in the US and Europe. As a result, manufactured groups such as Jamericans came about. Cobra, Lady Patra, Tiger, and Richie Stephens all signed with major labels during this era. Nevertheless, Reggae was about to take another turn in its rapid state of evolution.
The 90’s rolled in with the Japanese discovering Reggae, Yami Bolo was made a legend in Japan for his Reggae music. Mystic Revellers, Tiger, Beenie Man and Bounti Killa emerged not long after Yami Bolo. During the mid 90’s, dancehall down surged in popularity but it was Beenie Man and Bounti whowere responsible for bringing it back to the industry.
Now, it is a new era and a new millennium. Potential Reggae musicians are all around, with Mr Vegas, Mr. Lex, Morgan Heritage, Sizza, Tony Curtis, Singing Melody and many more who will definitely be around in the near future. The messages and meanings that Reggae music possess have made it one of the last, most authentic folk music in the world and this next generation of musicians have a bright future ahead of them, transform their Reggae music careers into immense success.