rocksteady Concerts

Rocksteady is a music genre that originated in Jamaica during the mid-1960s. It emerged as a successor to ska and a precursor to reggae, creating a unique sound that captivated audiences with its smooth and soulful melodies. From 1966 to 1968, Jamaican musicians like Jackie Mittoo, Hux Brown, Ska Campbell, and Lester Sterling, along with producer Coxsone Dodd, played a key role in creating the rocksteady genre. They were experienced in ska and jazz and drew influence from various genres such as rhythm and blues, mento, calypso, and Motown, as well as Caribbean and African music. Their expertise and diverse musical inspirations contributed to the development of the rocksteady sound on numerous Studio One rocksteady rhythms during that period.

MUSICALITY

Rocksteady is characterized by its slower tempo, and musical arrangements that typically include guitar, bass, drums, piano, organ, horns, and sometimes strings, creating a rich and melodic sound.

Rocksteady's rhythmic patterns are more relaxed compared to ska, allowing space for the smooth vocal harmonies to shine. The prominent use of syncopation, tight instrumentation, and the incorporation of melodic hooks give rocksteady its distinct sound. The genre's mellow yet groovy nature encourages listeners to sway and dance to its infectious rhythms.

THEMES

Lyrically, rocksteady covers a range of themes, often focusing on love, relationships, heartbreak, and social commentary. Many songs revolve around the joys and struggles of romantic relationships, expressing emotions of desire, longing, and heartache. The lyrics can convey vulnerability, resilience, and introspection, reflecting the experiences and emotions of the artists and resonating with listeners.

FAMOUS ARTISTS

Some notable rocksteady artists include Alton Ellis, The Paragons, The Techniques, Desmond Dekker, The Melodians, The Heptones, and Ken Boothe. These musicians played a major role in popularizing rocksteady and have become iconic figures within Jamaican music history.

Alton Ellis is often credited as the father of rocksteady due to his hit song "Rocksteady." However, there are other contenders for the first rocksteady single, including "Take It Easy" by Hopeton Lewis, "Tougher Than Tough" by Derrick Morgan, and "Hold Them" by Roy Shirley.