Reggae's most transcendent and iconic figure, Bob Marley was the first Jamaican artist to achieve international superstardom, in the process introducing the music of his native island nation to the far-flung corners of the globe. Marley's music gave voice to the day-to-day struggles of the Jamaican experience, vividly capturing not only the... [+] Read More

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One of Jamaica's most beloved and prolific artists, the late Dennis Brown has left behind a slew of classic songs and myriad hits, a rich musical legacy born of a career that spanned over 30 years. Born Dennis Emmanuel Brown in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1957, his childhood home virtually destined him to a future in the music industry. He grew up on... [+] Read More

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Probably no other Jamaican artist has brought more international acclaim to his island home than Desmond Dekker, barring, of course, Bob Marley, but Dekker came first. Most people's introduction to the island's unique musical sound came via the singer's many hits, most notably "Israelites" and "0.0.7. (Shanty Town)." Needless to say, he was even... [+] Read More

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One of Jamaica's most beloved vocalists who is as pertinent in dancehalls as he is in bedrooms, Gregory Isaacs' career has stretched over 30 years. From the heady days of reggae through lovers rock, a genre he virtually invented, his talent reached into the modern age. Born in the Fletcher's Land area of Kingston, Jamaica, on July 15, 1951,... [+] Read More

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It's one of life's great ironies that today, outside of reggae circles, Jimmy Cliff is better known for his film appearances than his music. Even after a string of hits, the singer never quite managed to break into the mainstream, although in the late '60s/early '70s, he seemed poised for international stardom. The singer was born in St.... [+] Read More

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A 25-year career that shows no sign of letting up, from soulful reggae to a massive dancehall catalog. With his warm voice filled with conviction and yearning, he's one of the island's best, especially on standards like "Ice Cream Love," "Water Pumping," and countless rub-a-dub singles. ~ Roger Steffens, All Music Guide

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Singer, musician, composer, and rebel Peter Tosh cut a swathe through the Jamaican musical scene, both as a founding member of the Wailers and as a solo artist. He toured with the Rolling Stones and had an international hit with a duet with Mick Jagger, then toured again to equally rapturous world audiences as the headlining act. His words would... [+] Read More

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Best known as Burning Spear, Winston Rodney has been one of reggae's most influential performers. His Rastafarian-minded albums, including Marcus Garvey, Man in the Hills, and Garvey's Ghost, made him an internationally known artist in the 1970s, while his 1985 album, Resistance, earned him his first of eight Grammy nominations. His album,... [+] Read More

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