Listen the History of Jamaican Music: The Skatalites

The Skatalites…
In addition to heading into the recording studio to back almost every Ska singer[s] of note on record, the Skatalites were and are such gifted musicians that they remain the pre-eminent Ska band to this day. While many of the original members of the Skatalites have passed on…they passed on the torch that keeps the band ever vital. Roland Alphonso, Tommy McCook, Don Drummond, Jackie Mittoo, Johnny ‘Dizzy’ Moore, Lloyd Brevett, Lloyd Knibbs, Ernest Ranglin, ‘Jah’ Jerry Hinds, Harold MacKenzie, Lester Sterling, ‘Reverend’ Billy Cook, Percival Dillon…All these men, and more, contibuted to the catalogue of music that ranks the Skatalites as perhaps the most prodigious ensemble ever. The Skatalites vocalists were no slouches either. Lord Tanamo, Doreen Shaffer, Jackie Opel and Tony Gregory were all just right for the sound. If you like old time Ska and find yourself listening to the Maytals, the Wailers, Delroy Wilson, Lord Creator, Stranger Cole…heck, most of the stars from that era…Listen to the band…it’s quite likely the Skatalites. Oh…And their newer albums all sound great too. Listen Now