The Ethiopians were a pioneering Jamaican ska and reggae group known for their impact on the music scene during the 1960s and 1970s. Founded by Leonard Dillon, Stephen Taylor and Aston Morris, the group started recording after being discovered by producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. Their sound, characterized by compelling vocal harmonies and the integration of socially conscious lyrics with the upbeat and infectious rhythms of ska and later reggae, helped to shape the musical landscape of their time. With the tragic passing of Stephen Taylor due to a car accident in 1975, the band's classic lineup was brought to an early end, yet Leonard Dillon continued to fly the Ethiopians' flag for many years until his own death in 2011.

The Ethiopians are perhaps best known for hits like "Train to Skaville," which remains an emblematic track of the ska movement, and "Everything Crash," which captured the social unrest of Jamaica in the late '60s. Despite changes in membership and the ebb and flow of musical trends, The Ethiopians have left a lasting legacy through a body of work that spans the evolution of Jamaican music from ska to reggae. Their influence can be heard not only in the recording "Train To Skaville (Rise Remix)," which pays homage to their roots while incorporating contemporary sounds, but also in the continued re-release and appreciation of their classic tracks, as demonstrated by compilations like "Ethiopians Classics, Vol. 3: Everything Ska." Moreover, even in recent releases like "Corona Virus," The Ethiopians' music reflects a commitment to engaging with the times, proving the enduring relevance of their artistry.

Genres

Jamaican Ska

Reggae

Rocksteady

Roots Reggae

Ska

Related Artists

The Skatalites

Desmond Dekker

The Wailers

The Specials

Alton Ellis

The Heptones

Derrick Morgan

Madness

Jimmy Cliff

Augustus Pablo

Prince Buster

The Selecter

Latest Release

Full Steam Ahead

The Ethiopians

Album - 15 Tracks - Released September 29, 2023