Jamaican Rocksteady Music

Rocksteady originated in Jamaica in the 60's. This genre of music was influence by Jamaican Mento, R&B and Jazz, It is also a derivative of Ska music.



This genre of music was popular in street dance and the dances performed were less energetic than Ska dances.

It was more of a romantic music, it carried a relaxed rhythmic density.

According to Gladstone Anderson, Lynn Taitt was one of the Major Players in the discovery/Production of this music.

Most persons are of the view that Alton Ellis is the Father of this genre of music boasting hits such as "Girl I've Got a Date" and "Rock steady".

Other major players were Derrick Morgan who contributed Tougher than Tough", Roy Shirley with "Hold Them" and Hopeton Lewis with "Take It Easy".

Let's never forget the talented, Ken Boothe, Phyllis Dillion (known as the "Queen of Rock steady") and Delroy Wilson.

This Genre of music only existed for a short period of time, which led into reggae.

Original recordings are now hard to find, but the songs are still being played on retro programs on radios and as we Jamaicans say "Oldies Parties".

Other related Pages
The Melodian "Rocksteady Greatest Group"

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