Toots and the Maytals are an iconic Jamaican musical group that played a central role in popularizing reggae music worldwide. Formed in the early 1960s, the group was fronted by the charismatic Frederick "Toots" Hibbert, whose soulful voice and infectious stage presence earned him comparisons to Otis Redding and earned the band a dedicated following. They were originally called simply The Maytals, with Hibbert joined by Nathaniel “Jerry” Matthias and Raleigh Gordon as the core members. The band's sound was a unique fusion of ska, rocksteady, and reggae, peppered with elements of gospel and soul, exemplifying the evolution of Jamaican music of the era.

Their hits, such as "Pressure Drop," "Monkey Man," and "54-46 Was My Number," are considered classics, with "54-46 Was My Number" often regarded as an anthem of the genre that solidified their international reputation after their inclusion in the groundbreaking movie "The Harder They Come" soundtracks. Throughout the years, Toots and the Maytals have collected numerous accolades and have influenced countless artists across genres. Toots continued to be a driving force in reggae, even incorporating modern music trends into recent releases such as the 2020 album "Got To Be Tough," which would become the last album released before Toots Hibbert's death in September 2020. His legacy lives on through the timeless music of Toots and the Maytals and their continued influence on musicians around the world.

Genres

Reggae

Roots Reggae

Ska

Related Artists

Bob Marley & The Wailers

Jimmy Cliff

Steel Pulse

The Skatalites

The Wailers

Gregory Isaacs

UB40

Inner Circle

Desmond Dekker

The Specials

Culture

Aswad

Latest Release

Sunny (Captain Planet Remix)

Toots & The Maytals•

Captain Planet

Single - Released February 16, 2024