The Skatalites are a seminal Jamaican ska band, credited with pioneering the genre in the early 1960s. Originally formed in 1964, the band's sound fused elements of jazz, blues, and rhythm & blues with traditional Caribbean mento and calypso, eventually giving rise to the infectious rhythms and brass-heavy sound of ska. The band's original lineup comprised a who's who of notable Jamaican musicians, including the legendary Don Drummond on trombone, Tommy McCook on tenor saxophone, and Roland Alphonso on alto saxophone, among others. Their early recordings played a crucial role in the development of ska and its subsequent evolutions into rocksteady and reggae.

Despite disbanding in 1965, The Skatalites' influence endured through the decades, leading to a resurrection in 1983 to capitalize on ska's growing international appeal. Since then, they have been recording and touring globally, often serving as a bridge between the genre's golden age and its contemporary revivals. Titles like "Ska-Boo-Da-Ba" and "Platinum Ska" are testaments to The Skatalites' enduring commitment to the sound they helped create, while live albums such as "Live in Argentina 2011" and "Live at the Belly Up" capture the enduring energy and prowess of their performances. Through various lineup changes and the passing of original members, The Skatalites' legacy remains a cornerstone in the history of ska and Jamaican music, echoing their motto "Music from Ja: Ska" in every beat they play.

Genres

Jamaican Ska

Reggae

Ska

Ska Jazz

Ska Revival

Related Artists

The Wailers

The Specials

Jimmy Cliff

Desmond Dekker

Madness

Prince Buster

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

The Selecter

UB40

Derrick Morgan

Reel Big Fish

The Ethiopians

Latest Release

Dance Away

The Skatalites

Single - Released May 17, 2024