Reggae music is a style of music that originated in Jamaica during the late 1960s. It has its roots in American Rhythm and Blues, Caribbean, and Pan African influences. It lies somewhere between ska and rock-steady as far as tempo goes. There is an emphasis placed on the 3rd beat in a 4/4 music bar.
The term reggae has come to be identified with all music from Jamaica, however, this is inaccurate. There have been many great artists who performed this particular genre. Let's take a look at some of the top reggae artists of all time.
Winston Rodney, commonly known as Burning Spear, is among the best artists in this genre. Based on his popularity, the message of his songs, their impact, and influence, he could easily be ranked fifth in the world for his music. Many of his songs promoted Rastafarianism, the culture of cannabis.
At number four is James Chambers, better known as The Honorable Jimmy Cliff. He was one of five inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2010. He is also the only living musician to have received Jamaica's Order of Merit, the government's highest honor for recognizing achievements in the arts.
While most of the top reggae artists are individuals, one can not mention the most influential and well known acts without mentioning the Maytals. This group was first formed in the early 1960s and performed ska. They helped to pioneer the slower tempo that developed into the style known as rock-steady. They later helped to initiate the world to true reggae.
Winston Hubert McIntosh was born to a couple, both of whom were too young to properly take care of a baby. For this reason, he was raised by an aunt. While growing up, he listened to American radio and learned to sing and play guitar. He adopted the stage name Peter Tosh, and began to perform as part of the group, The Wailers, with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. They chose this name because to wail means to express emotion vocally.
Tosh also had a very successful solo career as a musician and promoting the Rastafari lifestyle. Unfortunately, he was killed in his home in 1987 by a robber.
When it comes to a look at the top reggae artists of all time, nobody stands out from the pack the way Bob Marley does. He was not only a performer, he was a songwriter. He played guitar and performed vocals with the Wailers as well as having an incredible solo career.
Marley is credited with being the performer who brought reggae music to the attention of the world. The political climate and culture of his native Jamaica influenced his music strongly. He is said to have been the voice of his culture. A few of his greatest hits include "Stir it Up", "Redemption Song", "I Shot the Sheriff", and "One Love". An album of his hits that was released three years after he died has reached diamond status in the US and sold over twenty five million copies around the world.