Saxophonist Roland Alphonso was one of the major figures of early ska and reggae on several fronts: his recordings as a soloist and bandleader, his work as a member of the Skatalites, his prolific log …

A seven-piece reggae band that formed in London, England in 1976. The members were George Clark (keyboards), Trevor Salmon (bass), Patrick Donegan (rhythm guitar), Norman Ebanks (lead guitar), Errol Francis (drums), Alan King (vocals), and …

One of the most endearing brats you’re likely to hear, ambitious dancehall DJ Red Rat’s semi-comical lyrics, spoiled brat delivery, and frequent intonations of “Oh no!” have won the St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica, native a …

The musical career of Rayvon (born Bruce Brewster) really began when the young musician-turned-rap/reggae MC met fellow aspiring artist Shaggy in a New York recording studio. Eventually the two recorded the regional dancehall hit “Big …

Reggae DJ Ranking Joe was born Joseph Jackson in Kingston on June 1, 1959. Launching his recording career right around the time that the reggae/dub movement began sweeping the world during the mid-’70s, renowned producer …

Starting with the Skatalites, Jamaican recordings largely revolved around a select floating pool of the island’s best musicians and the top producers were calling on the Revolutionaries in the mid-’70s. But the group’s importance extends …

One of the most prolific session players of Jamaica’s pre-ska era, trombonist Rico Rodriguez later emerged as a catalyst behind the UK’s 2-Tone movement of the late 1970s, recording both as a solo artist and …

Roots Radics are the premier session band in Jamaica. In addition to touring and recording as Gregory Isaac’s backup band, the group has collaborated with a lengthy list of artists including Bunny Wailer, Israel Vibration, …

Perhaps the quirkiest, most unique voice in Jamaica, Roy Shirley twists, contorts, whines, and prowls his way through three octaves in his course of musical mayhem. “Hold Them” may be the tune that birthed rock-steady …

After working under Motown Records and spending time as a singer for Soul II Soul in the early ’90s, Richie Stephens turned his career toward reggae, ska, and contemporary gospel once on his own again. …