Home » Jazz News » TV / Film

JazzDoc: History of Reggae

Source:

Sign in to view read count
Reggae's development in Jamaica has much in common with the rise of post-war jazz, and it parallels the surge of R&B in the U.S. Under British rule until 1962, Jamaicans in the '50s were increasingly conscious of American music when large sound systems and turntables became a staple of social gatherings.

In the years before Jamaica's famed record studios were in place, dance disc jockeys relied on laborers to bring singles home from the States after they finished working on American farms during harvest season. Musicians eventually recorded covers of these songs after Jamaica's independence, and you can hear the influence of prolific American R&B artists such as Fats Domino and Louis Jordan in early reggae beats.

But that's enough to get you started. Now go make some popcorn. Here's a three-part BBC documentary on reggae's glorious history...

Here's Part 1...



Here's Part 2...



Here's Part 3...

Continue Reading...

This story appears courtesy of JazzWax by Marc Myers.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved.


Comments

Tags

TV / Film JazzWax by Marc Myers AAJ Staff

News

Popular

Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock Returns To The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on September 29, 2024
Performance / Tour
Jazz Icon Herbie Hancock Returns To The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) on September 29,...
AMT Public Relations
2024 Rochester International Jazz Festival Lineup Announced
Festival
2024 Rochester International Jazz Festival Lineup Announced
Dalmath Associates Inc.
Silently Held—The New Album From Chantal Acda & The Atlantic Drifters
Recording
Silently Held—The New Album From Chantal Acda & The Atlantic Drifters
Vivo Musique Internationale
Santana Drum Legend Michael Shrieve To Release New Album 'Drums Of Compassion' on May 24, 2024
Recording
Santana Drum Legend Michael Shrieve To Release New Album 'Drums Of Compassion' on May 24, 2024
Glass Onyon PR - William James
Archival Releases From The Cannonball Adderley Quintet, Dizzy Gillespie And Cal Tjader Out May 17 From Liberation Hall
Music Industry
Archival Releases From The Cannonball Adderley Quintet, Dizzy Gillespie And Cal Tjader Out May 17...
Prime Mover Media
Stuart Mack's Debut, 'Vibrations' Profoundly Reflects On Humanity In Music
Recording
Stuart Mack's Debut, 'Vibrations' Profoundly Reflects On Humanity In Music
Outside in Music
Guitarist Bobby Broom Serves Up A Platter Of Spicy Organ Jazz With 'Jamalot,' Set For May 24 Release By Steele Records
Recording
Guitarist Bobby Broom Serves Up A Platter Of Spicy Organ Jazz With 'Jamalot,' Set For May 24 Release...
Terri Hinte Publicity
The Jamie Baum Septet+ Release 'What Times Are These' on Sunnyside Records
Recording
The Jamie Baum Septet+ Release 'What Times Are These' on Sunnyside Records
Lydia Liebman Promotions

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.