Reggae music often brings up images of dreadlocked musicians surrounded by marijuana clouds, tropical locales and relaxing vibes.
Reggae music draws its influences from rhythm and blues, mento, calypso and African music styles; always played in 4/4 time signature.
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Bob Marley
Bob Marley stands as an iconic reggae singer. He introduced the genre to an international audience, shaping it into a musical form that communicated messages of love, unity, and resistance against oppression. Marley’s music reached people all over the globe while simultaneously inspiring an entire new generation of artists as well as embedding Jamaican culture into global consciousness.
Born into poverty in West Kingston’s Trench Town neighborhood, Marley became exposed to ska music at an early age. Ska is an amalgam of American rhythm and blues and Jamaican folk calypso popular at that time, blended together with Rastafarian philosophy that emphasizes spirituality and self-determination, creating a uniquely Jamaican musical genre which combined rock ‘n roll with social activism.
Marley had an enormous effect on the music industry despite only having been around for a relatively short period. Legend, his greatest hits album sold over 75 million copies worldwide making it one of the best-selling reggae albums ever. His songs touched millions around the globe making him one of the most influential musicians ever.
Bob Marley and the Wailers released “Is This Love,” his signature song from 1975 album Rastaman Vibration. This track expresses both Marley’s devotion to Rastafarian faith as well as desire for social change; its lyrics draw upon an address by Haile Selassie – 20th century Ethiopian Emperor and Spiritual leader of Rastafarianism movement.
In 1978, Marley became the first African musician to perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater despite its longstanding rejection of black artists. Additionally, his performance brought an increased awareness to international audiences of Jamaicans’ struggles on an individual and collective basis.
At Marley’s height of life, his actions and words inspired millions to live their lives peacefully and harmoniously. Today, his sons Stephen and Damien continue his legacy by upholding its message of unity through music – as well as remembering him through tributes dedicated to reggae music and its legacy.
Peter Tosh
Winston Hubert McIntosh, commonly referred to by his stage name Peter Tosh, was a Jamaican reggae musician and Rastafarian renowned for incorporating spiritual elements of his faith into his music. Additionally he was a passionate human rights activist and strong proponent of Jamaican independence; thus becoming an example of how music can drive social transformation. His musical work continues to influence lives today through positive social transformation.
Peter Tosh, one of the original members of Bob Marley and the Wailers, later established an impressive solo career after leaving that group. While his early albums focused on reggae music, his later efforts explored other musical styles. Lyrical themes often addressed social issues like poverty and racial disparity while he actively campaigned against marijuana being illegalized at that time in Jamaica.
Although Tosh died young, he left an immeasurable legacy through his music and beliefs. His songs continue to reach audiences all around the globe, serving as an emblem of artistic integrity and defiance; his spirit still lives on today as an inspiration to musicians, activists, and all those striving for freedom and justice.
Although not as widely-renowned as Bob Marley, his work had its own unique impact in reggae music. A gifted writer, his songs conveyed religious messages in an appealing manner while leaving room for interpretation by listeners.
His music was inextricably linked with the social issues facing Jamaica at that time, particularly Rastafari and oppressive forces in society. His songs addressed issues of poverty, racial inequality, human rights abuses and human rights violations; these proved powerful tools of change for not only Jamaica but all around the globe. His influence not only reached Jamaica but was felt globally.
Nadine Sutherland
Nadine Sutherland is a multi-award winning singer, cultural academic, and businesswoman whose love of music has never hindered her from exploring other opportunities and interests. In fact, her musical career is balanced by an expanding business portfolio and involvement in Jamaican politics – not to mention her vocal versatility which spans multiple genres of music.
Nadine made her professional debut after winning a Tastee Patty talent contest in 1979, later signing to Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong label and recording Starvation on the Land, an emotionally engaging yet haunting song which proved that Nadine was a singer with significant potential.
Gussie Clarke soon had her singing in his Slipe Road studio, producing several sides for her at that time, such as Action which became both a dancehall hit and campaign song used by Jamaica Labour Party during early 90s elections.
Though she experienced political violence firsthand in Jamaica, she managed to avoid dubplate politics – the practice of giving shoutouts for politicians on sound systems – until just prior to last year’s United States presidential elections when asked by Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign manager to record a song featuring shout outs for her campaign. At first she hesitated due to previous experiences but eventually agreed.
As well as her work in the recording industry, she is also well known in Jamaican media outlets for writing a book and regularly contributing to media articles about Jamaica. Furthermore, she has made multiple television appearances. Furthermore, she is well established within cultural festivals all around Jamaica.
She stands out in the reggae scene with her distinct singing style that stands out among other artistes, which includes beautiful and soulful vocals as well as an uncompromising sense of style and sophistication. Many of her songs have become classics of reggae and dancehall music just like she herself has done so over time.
Jean Watt
Jean Watt, commonly referred to as Sister Jean, was the wife of reggae legend Bunny Wailer and is widely credited with writing some of his hits during his musical career and designing many of his costumes during tours. Unfortunately she is currently missing, with ongoing efforts underway in search of her.
Reggae music is distinguished by an off-beat rhythm known as the backbeat, created through accentuating two out of every four beat rhythm cycle. This off-beat groove gives reggae music its lively vibe that appeals to people who enjoy dancing.
Jamaican ska and rocksteady musicians are widely credited with coining the term “reggae” to describe their music genre. Frederick “Toots” Hibbert of Toots and the Maytals is widely considered to have created this term via his group’s song “Do the Reggay.” In addition to being an extraordinary musician, Toots was an active figure during this era’s social movements advocating for women’s rights as well as Rastafari beliefs.
Bob Marley was best-known for his hit song, I Shot the Sheriff. However, he was also an accomplished poet and political activist – his activism inspired by both his mother’s death and brother’s struggle with cancer as well as Rastafarian beliefs that there were hidden messages within nature and life itself.
After his father’s death in 1970, Bob Marley established the Bob Marley Foundation to continue his work. He performed charity concerts and assisted relief efforts after natural disasters; furthermore he championed environmental concerns by helping protect open space in Newport Beach while keeping beaches clean.
Jean Watt is more than just a musician; she is also a prominent businesswoman and the founder of Jean Watts Foundation, working on various businesses including fashion lines. Additionally, she maintains her own YouTube channel where she promotes both her musical efforts as well as other ventures.