Send a text

As February is Reggae Month we have decided to dedicate this weeks episode to a genre that without its existence, Reggae music just wouldn’t be the same. Yes we are talking about Rocksteady.

Originating in Jamaica approximately 1966 as the dominant genre there for almost two years, following Ska and preceding Reggae; it typically played at 80 to 100 bpm, using upbeat guitar rhythms, prominent bass lines, focus on vocal harmonies with themes of love and social issues. Although its popularity was brief it lived on through Reggae music as a great influence and many of its artists transitioned from Rocksteady to Reggae.

Featured artists in order of appearance include:

THE UNIQUES - PEOPLE ROCKSTEADY

PHYLLIS DILLON - DONT STAY AWAY

KEN BOOTHE - THE ONE I LOVE

THE TECHNIQUES - QUEEN MAJESTY

TOMMY MCCOOK & THE SUPERSONICS - MICHELLE

THE CARIBBEANS - BUTTERFLIES

OWEN GREY - CATCH A FALLING STAR

SLIM SMITH & THE UNQUES - BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

GLEN ADAMS - HEY THERE LONELY GIRL

DESMOND DEKKER & THE ACES - 007

CYNTHIA RICHARDS - FOREVER

LESTER STERLING - WISE MEN OF ROCKSTEADY

ALVA LEWIS - REVELATION

LESTER STERLING - LESTER SKANK

DON T LEE - LOVE PLEASE COME BACK

LLOYD CLARKE - SUMMERTIME

LEE SCRATCH PERRY - I AM THE UPSETTER

THE UPSETTERS - RETURN OF DJANGO

DESMOND DEKKER & THE ACES - IT MEK

DANDY LIVINGSTONE - RUDY, A MESSAGE TO YOU

Tell us your favourite or one that you think we should have included. Please also share any historical knowledge on the genre that we may be able to add to our archive in future episodes. 

Support the show

Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed are those of guests featured and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Reggae Uprising Podcast or its representatives. Reggae Uprising Podcast does not own any of the rights to any of the music or extracts featured. It is used only as a tool of education, upliftment and empowerment for and of people of Africa and its diaspora.

Subscribe & Connect : www.danieal.live/podcast
Official Merch : www.dgarms.com