Reggae originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and became Jamaica’s signature brand overnight. 

Reggae got its name from Toots and the Maytals 1968 single “Do the Reggay”

Around the 1970s, Reggae was popular in Britain, Africa, and the United States. 

Songs like “No More Heartaches” by The Beltones, “Israelites” by Desmond Dekker, “Nanny Goat” by Larry Marshall, and “People Funny Boy” by Lee “Scratch” Perry were big hits that sealed Reggae as Jamaica’s brand of music.

Singer-songwriter Marley, guitarist Peter Tosh, percussionist Bunny Wailer, and bass guitar player Aston Barrett embraced the genre and produced a string of hits like the albums Burnin’ (1973) and Exodus (1977).

The Wailers reached an international audience when Eric Clapton covered “I Shot the Sheriff,” penned by Marley, in 1974. Other reggae stars of the 1970s include Jimmy Cliff (famous for “The Harder They Come”), and the American Johnny Nash (who scored a major hit with “I Can See Clearly Now”). Roots reggae bands have thrived outside of Jamaica; the English bands Steel Pulse and UB40 have enjoyed notable fame. 

Famous reggae producers include Coxsone Dodd, King Tubby, and Lee “Scratch” Perry, who was a genius on the boards and equally talented behind the microphone.