Reggae on Rotation

A quick look into reggae’s past shows just how many branches make up its family tree.

Like many genres in popular music, the roots of Jamaican reggae reach back much further than the 20th century. Yet when the pieces began falling into place, its evolution happened quickly, over the span of 30 years or so. Jamaican folk genres of mento, ska, and rocksteady were all important influences on the development of reggae. Listen to some examples below and see if you can hear how the sound progressed.

1952
Lord Messam – “Take Her to Jamaica”

1964
Keith & Ken with Byron Lee & the Dragonaires – “Jamaica Ska”

1969
The Clarendonians – “I Am Sorry”

1977
Bob Marley and the Wailers – “Three Little Birds”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGYAAsHT4QE