Ska and Rocksteady are the unsung heroes of Jamaican music, paving the way for Reggae’s global dominance. Born in the late 1950s, Ska combined the infectious beats of Caribbean Mento and Calypso with the swagger of American Jazz and R&B. Its lively rhythms and off-beat guitar strums captured the soul of an island on the cusp of independence.
A decade later, Ska’s smoother sibling, Rocksteady, slowed things down, allowing for more melodic bass lines and soulful harmonies. Together, these two genres laid the foundation for generations of music lovers, influencing everything from Punk to modern Reggae.
In the second installment of our “30 Greatest” series in collaboration with our friends over at 13th Street Promotions, we’ll explore the best albums from both genres, ones that shaped the sound and left a lasting legacy on the world stage.
Hopeton Lewis – “Take it Easy”, Merritone (1967)
Hopeton Lewis’ 1967 release Take It Easy With The Rock Steady Beat is often credited as a pivotal moment in Jamaican music. Arriving as Ska’s energetic tempo began to slow down, this album helped introduce the world to Rocksteady. Featuring backing from Trinidadian guitarist Lynn Taitt and The Jets, the album’s slower rhythm and groove paved the way for the emerging genre. Songs like “This Music Got Soul” and title track “Take it Easy” stood out as anthems of this new sound and became key influences on the future of Reggae.
This record didn’t just introduce a genre but laid the foundation for what would come next. By blending the rich sounds of Jazz, R&B, and the slower beats of Rocksteady, Lewis’ album was a cornerstone for the transformation of Jamaican music in the 60s. The dancehall-praising tunes of this project captured a unique moment in music history and are still considered one of the most important albums in Reggae’s evolution.
Prince Buster – “I Feel the Spirit”, Blue Beat (1963)
Before the rise of Rocksteady and Reggae, Ska ruled Jamaica, and Prince Buster was at the forefront. His 1963 debut album I Feel The Spirit showcased his ability to merge various musical influences like Calypso, Mento, and Blues into one infectious sound. Released on the Blue Beat label, it became the first Ska album to make waves outside of Jamaica. With tracks like “They Got To Come” and “Madness,” Prince Buster helped shape the early foundations of Ska, and in turn, Jamaican music history.
This album, with its unmistakable energy and vibrant instrumentals, solidified Prince Buster’s status as a pioneer. Backed by talent like the Drumbago All Stars and the Rico Rodriguez Blues Band, I Feel The Spirit is more than just a collection of songs – it is a landmark in the global spread of Ska. Prince Buster’s musical influence would echo across future generations of Jamaican music.
Alton Ellis – “Mr. Soul of Jamaica, Treasure Isle (1967)
Known as the “Godfather of Rocksteady,” Alton Ellis was a driving force in shaping the sound of the 1960s. His album Mr. Soul of Jamaica (1967) is often hailed as one of his finest works, capturing his smooth vocals and impeccable songcraft.
Released through Treasure Isle, this album compiled Ellis’ recordings from 1964 to 1970 and included hits like “You Make Me So Very Happy” and “Ain’t That Lovin’ You,” produced by Duke Reid. It became a fan favourite and solidified Ellis as a Rocksteady legend.
Ellis’ contributions to music weren’t just limited to Rocksteady. His soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics bridged the gap between the Jamaican sound and American soul. Recognised for his enduring impact on the genre, Ellis was inducted into the International Reggae And World Music Awards Hall Of Fame in 2006, cementing his legacy as one of Jamaica’s greatest musical exports.
Ken Boothe – “Mr. Rocksteady”, Studio One (1968)
Ken Boothe, dubbed “Mr. Rock Steady,” stands as one of the most important voices in Jamaica’s Rocksteady era. His 1968 album, Mr. Rock Steady, features timeless tracks like “Puppet on a String” and “Let The Water Dry.” Released by the legendary Studio One label, Boothe’s powerful and soulful vocals were unmatched, earning him comparisons to American soul stars like Wilson Pickett. His deep, gritty tone and emotional delivery set him apart in the vibrant Jamaican music scene.
With Clement “Coxsone” Dodd behind the production, Boothe’s album captured the essence of the American soul influence that dominated the Rocksteady sound. Even after the rise of Rastafarian-inspired roots Reggae, Boothe continued to make an impact, with hits like “Everything I Own” charting in the UK. Mr. Rock Steady remains a testament to his influence in Jamaican music, solidifying his place as one of the greats.
The Skatalites – “Ska Authentic”, Studio One (1964)
The Skatalites are often hailed as the architects of the ska sound, formed in the early 1960s, this pioneering band blended the rhythms of Jamaican mento and calypso with American jazz and R&B, creating a unique musical style that was both vibrant and irresistible. Their debut album Ska Authentic, released in 1964 through Studio One, captured the essence of their sound.
The band’s iconic brass section, led by the legendary Don Drummond and saxophonist Tommy McCook, infused every track with a jazzy groove, while the unmistakable ska “bounce” kept listeners dancing. Tracks like “Lee Harvey Oswald” and “Mother In Law,” featuring the vocal talents of Lee “Scratch” Perry, are standout moments in this timeless collection.
With contributions from some of Jamaica’s most influential producers, including Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid the album remains a must-listen for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike, delivering 16 tracks of toe-tapping rhythms and infectious melodies.
Desmond Dekkers & The Aces – “007 Shanty Town”, Doctor Bird (1967)
Desmond Dekker, a legend in his own right, made history with his debut album 007 Shanty Town, released in 1967. Known for hits like the title track “007 (Shanty Town),” which chronicled the life of Jamaica’s notorious Rude Boys, Dekker’s music offered social commentary wrapped in irresistible rhythms. Produced by Leslie Kong, the album marked a key moment in Ska and Rocksteady’s evolution, blending Jamaican sound with international influences.
The song “007 (Shanty Town)” was a massive hit, peaking at #14 on the UK charts and becoming the first Jamaican-produced song to do so. Dekker’s melodies, mixed with sharp lyrics, captured the imagination of listeners worldwide. His music not only resonated with the Rude Boys but also cemented his legacy as a pioneer, with 007 Shanty Town continuing to be a must-listen album over 50 years later.
Toots & The Maytals – “Sweet And Dandy”, Beverley’s Records (1969)
Toots & the Maytals, led by the dynamic Toots Hibbert, played a vital role in shaping Reggae during its early years. Their 1969 album Sweet and Dandy was a game-changer, packed with iconic tracks like “Pressure Drop,” “54-46 (That’s My Number),” and the title track “Sweet and Dandy.”
Released through Beverley’s Records and produced by Leslie Kong, the album highlighted Hibbert’s soulful storytelling, particularly on songs inspired by personal experiences, such as his stint in jail. Toots Hibbert’s unmistakable voice, combined with the lively backing of Nathaniel McCarthy and Raleigh Gordon infectious rhythms helped propel the band to international recognition, with “Monkey Man” becoming a significant UK hit.
The success of Sweet and Dandy wasn’t confined to Jamaica. The album’s inclusion in the groundbreaking film The Harder They Come further solidified Toots & the Maytals as Reggae legends. The album’s blend of poignant lyrics, danceable beats, and vibrant harmonies captured the essence of the genre during its formative years.
Millie Small – “My Boy Lollipop”, Smash Records (1964)
Millie Small burst onto the international music scene in 1964 with her smash hit “My Boy Lollipop,” which catapulted both her and the ska genre into the global spotlight. The song, a lively and exuberant track, reached number two on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100, selling over seven million copies worldwide.
At just 16 years old, Millie’s infectious energy and vibrant personality shone through her vocals and her debut album My Boy Lollipop, released through Smash Records, was a testament to her star power, blending ska rhythms with pop melodies.
Performing alongside the Beatles and starring in TV specials around the world, Millie’s impact went far beyond her music, cementing her as a cultural icon who helped introduce Jamaican sounds to the global audience.
Delroy Wilson – “Good All Over”, Studio One (1969)
Delroy Wilson, often regarded as Jamaica’s first child star, began his musical journey at just 13, recording early ska singles for legendary producer Coxsone Dodd. As his voice matured and rocksteady began to dominate the Jamaican music scene, Wilson cemented his place as one of the island’s finest vocalists. By the time Good All Over was released in 1969, he had fully transitioned from ska to rocksteady, delivering an album brimming with soulful, heartfelt tunes that showcased his exceptional vocal range.
Good All Over is more than just a rocksteady album; it’s a masterclass in blending the rhythms of ska, blue beat, and soul. Wilson’s ability to channel the smoothness of U.S. soul singers like Bill Withers into the Jamaican context made him a standout talent of his generation. Tracks like “Can’t Stand It” and “I Love the Way You Walk” are timeless anthems that reflect the heart and soul of the rocksteady era.
Honourable Mentions
While many albums have defined the ska and rocksteady eras, there are a few others that deserve recognition for their influence and artistry. Studio One Presents Jennifer Lara (1981) showcased Jennifer Lara’s remarkable voice, blending soulful rocksteady rhythms with heartfelt lyrics. U-Roy’s Version Galore (1970) brought the art of toasting to the forefront, and is a blueprint for what would eventually become hip hop solidifying his status as a genre bending pioneer.
Bob Andy’s Song Book (1970) remains a timeless collection of beautifully crafted songs that merge rocksteady with introspective lyrics, marking Bob Andy as one of Jamaica’s finest songwriters. Finally, On Top (1968) by The Heptones captures the essence of rock-steady harmonies, with tracks that would influence generations of reggae artists to come. These albums continue to resonate, standing as cornerstones in Jamaican music history.
A History Jamaican Sounds
From the energetic bounce of Ska to the sultry grooves of Rocksteady, these albums are more than just classics—they’re milestones in the history of Jamaican music. They gave voice to a generation and rhythm to a movement, and their influence can still be heard today.
Whether it’s the pioneering sounds of The Skatalites, the soulful crooning of Alton Ellis, or the cross-genre success of Millie Small, these albums have stood the test of time. So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or just dipping your toes into the genre, these records are a must-listen, offering a vibrant soundtrack to the history of Jamaica.
