The Most Successful Top 15 Rock Steady Vocal Groups
The Rock Steady music genre served as the bridge between Ska and Reggae. It evolved in 1966, and peaked by late 1968, despite the fact that many rock steady songs were released after 1968. Musically, the instrumentalists of Jamaica, Tommy McCook and “Lyn” Taitt, in particular are credited with the creation the Rock Steady rhythm. […]
Early Release for Buju Banton Only a Rumor
In spite of reports that reggae singer Buju Banton was getting an early release from prison, those reports have been confirmed as rumors by Rosemary Duncan, who coordinates the Buju Banton Defense Support Committee. In October 2015, the United States Justice Department announced it would release some 6,600 prison inmates early in order to alleviate […]
Bob Marley Ranks 4th Among After-Life Top Sellers
Bob Marley continues to break records. Thirty-four years after his passing, the legendary reggae singer is selling more records than many living. According to Forbes Magazine, the Rastafarian netted $21 million, and is ranked fourth among top money-earners beyond the grave. Only three artists surpassed the reggae superstar – Elvis Presley, cartoonist Charles Schultz and […]
Geejam Resort and Studio Where Drake, Rihanna, Diplo Do Their Recording
The iconic recording venues for Jamaica’s considerable music innovators include Studio One, Trenchtown, and Strawberry Hill, but there are additional, little-known parishes that are also making music history. One of these is located in Port Antonio, about 60 miles from Kingston. Port Antonio was a key port during the island’s 19th-century banana boom, and in […]
Top 10 Rock Steady Singers
Rocksteady, as music genre began in Jamaica 1966-1969. The Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle and Sonia Pottinger Gayfeet Label were the primary labels. Rocksteady fused the musical elements of rhythm and blues (R&B), jazz, ska, African and Latin American drumming with natural Jamaican musical talent. The Rocksteady period produced, arguably the best music in any era […]
Damian Marley Becomes Co-Owner at Tidal
Musician Damian Marley has joined the streaming music service Tidal as a co-owner. The announcement of his joining the service was made at the Tidalx 1020 concert in Brooklyn just as Marley was ready to take the stage in his first appearances as a co-owner. The concert, which was held to raise funds in support […]
Tarrus Riley Debuts on Billboard Hot 100 Chart
Tarrus Riley has made it to the Billboard Hot 100 music chart with a recording entitled “Powerful,” which features Major Lazer and Ellie Goulding. The track currently ranks Number 95 on the chart. This is the first time Riley has had a tune among the Hot 100, in spite of being consistently popular in Jamaica […]
Why You Should Be Spreading Jamaican Music to the World
I’ve always enjoyed all kinds of music…from the classics with Borodin, Bach, and more recently Mantovani, to the mento vibes of the Jolly Boys. I believe that in the Jamaican experience, there is a huge void in the classic 70s style of foundation Roots Reggae music and love ballads aligned with more instruments than you […]
Damian Marley booked for Brooklyn Star-studded Showcase with Prince, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Jay-Z
Say what you will about the Marley’s, just refrain from calling them lazy. Consistently on the entertainment circuit, the benefactors and sons and daughters of reggae legend Robert Nesta Marley seem to be relentless, hard-working and most of all front and present to represent the genre often ignored on high profile billings. Check it, after […]
Interview: Sleepy Wonder & No Choice Music making moves
Washington, D.C.-based Thievery Corporation, Reggae, Electronica, Dub, Lounge, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Latin outfit signed reggae artist Sleepy Wonder in 1998. Since then Wonder has had a hugely successful career as an artist and as CEO of his own label NO Choice Music Imprint. Jamaicans.com Senior Editor Stan Evan Smith caught up with Wonder for conversation […]