What Is Reggae?

It's an Exciting Blend
of Styles and Genres

What is reggae music? It's a type of music that came about in the 1960's and was derived in Jamaica. The history of reggae is a blend of two other types of Jamaican music which are ska and rocksteady. These were the two precursors to reggae. However, that doesn't really explain what reggae is.

Reggae is a slower version of rocksteady. It came about as musicians were trying to find something different and decided to slow down the beat of rocksteady. It first got the name reggae in 1968.

When people ask what is reggae, you'll get a lot of answers. The one thing they know is, it's Jamaican music and it has a lot of famous performers playing the music and performing at Jamaica's annual reggae festivals. It's also a derivative of a large number of music genres that have been put together in order to create it.

Influences on Reggae Music

There are a number of different sources and music genres to create reggae music. When you ask what is reggae, you need to look in multiple directions. It's from Jamaica, that is true, but it received its influence from a number of different sources.

It came from ska and rock steady in Jamaican music and other sources as well. There's a strong influence from African music. It was also influenced by American jazz and rhythm and blues.

Famous Reggae Performers

There are a number of people who made Jamaican reggae music popular. The most popular of these artists is Bob Marley. He was well-known for his music. Bob is popular even today with many of his songs including, I Shot the Sheriff.

As new reggae music grew in popularity, even groups such as the Beatles incorporated it into their music. This genre started on a small island in the Caribbean and has since become an international sensation.

Some other famous reggae artists include the Beltones, Eric Clapton, re-doing I Shot the Sheriff, and the Wailers who inspired much of the reggae music of today.

Reggae is a style all its own. In many cases it may be hard to understand when you consider the roots of the music, and see who has performed it.

Here also are other pages about Jamaica reggae music, that may interest you:

• Old School Reggae


• Reggae Singers


• Reggae Music History


• Jamaican Reggae Music


• Christian Reggae Music


• Reggae Clothing


• Reggae Gospel


• Reggae Musician


• Top Reggae Songs

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