Bob Marley and Reggae

Bob Marley and Reggae

Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer, guitarist and songwriter who

achieved international stardom.

What are the origins of Reggae?

The origins of Reggae start with African music as the people of

Jamaica are descendants of the African slaves who were brought to the

island. African music is based around rhythm patterns, and rhythm and

beat are the most important features of Reggae. Also there is the

influence of other Caribbean music such as Calypso and the associated

instruments such as steel drums which can be heard on Bob Marley songs

such as 'One Love.'

When did Reggae begin?

Reggae developed in the 1960s, and later in 1968 Bob Marley took the

Ska music of the shantytowns in Kingston, Jamaica, slowed the tempo

and introduced a much heavier bass whilst retaining the strong upbeat.

Ska music has similar typical offbeat rhythms, but is less melodic

than Reggae.

What is the structure of Reggae?

Reggae structure is not complicated - there are usually only 3 chords,

which are chords 1, 4 and 5. This is the same as the 12 Bar Blues, but

the chords do not go in a set pattern, like Blues.

The chords are played on the 2nd and 4th beats of the bar, and the

drums on the 1at and 3rd beats. This gives a typical Reggae sound.

There is usually a bass riff. The bass line is very important in

Reggae and is turned up loud in the mix. The bass riff is also usually

syncopated.

Bob Marley and the Wailers

Bob Marley was learning the welding trade in Kingston when he formed

his first harmony group, the Rudeboys, in 1961. The group later became

known as the Wailers. The Wailers included vocalists ...

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...ntinued to

symbolize the hopes of the downtrodden for a better life outside urban

slums. The clarity, conviction, and sincerity of Marley's

performances, and his unique, melodic style of song writing, have

influenced many pop-music artists, including songwriter Stevie Wonder

and rock guitarist Eric Clapton.

How has Reggae influenced music?

Reggae has had massive influences on pop music. With regard to the

music of the 80s, Reggae did not become widely known in Britain until

Eric Clapton recorded a cover version on Bob Marley's "I shot the

sheriff" in 1974. Within a few years, groups such as the Clash, the

Police and Madness were drawing on ideas from Reggae. The music of

Sting has sometimes been described as 'white Reggae.' More recent

influences can be detected in the music of Ragga artists such as

Shaggy.