Reggae's origins can be found in traditional African and Caribbean music, as well as Rhythm and blues of the United States. Ska and rocksteady are 1960s precursors of reggae. In 1963, Jackie Mittoo, pianist with the ska band "The Skatalites" was asked to run sessions and compose original music by record producer Coxsone Dodd at his "Studio One" recording studio. Mittoo, with the help of drummer Lloyd Knibbs, turned the traditional ska beat into reggae, by slowing down the rhythm. Bob Marley, who popularized reggae worldwide, recorded rocksteady records early in his career. By the late 1960s, reggae was getting radio play in the United Kingdom on John Peel's radio show.

Reggae music styles: Contemporary Reggae | Political Reggae | Ragga | Reggae-Pop | Roots Reggae | Ska |

Reggae music artists: