A style of urban popular music, originating in Jamaica. It was a transitional music between ska and reggae, akin to American rhythm and blues, and with a heavy emphasis on harmony groups and solo vocalists, who also began to explore social issues in their lyrics. The distinctive horn section of the influential ska group, the Skatalites, no longer dominated the local popular music sound after they disbanded in 1965. Instead, a line-up of piano, bass and drums established rock steady and ultimately led to reggae in 1968. In addition, the frenetic beat of ska had been slowed down for dancing during the summer heatwave of 1966, and so provided a chance to penetrate the increasingly political and socially aware lyrics sung by groups like Desmond Dekker and the Aces, and the Wailers, then including Bob Marley. Stylists such as the ‘king of rock steady’ Alton Ellis and his main rival Ken Boothe made distinctly Jamaican covers of American soul songs. As with the emergence of ska, entrepreneurs ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd and ‘Duke’ Reid promoted the sound through their recordings and sound system dances. Other producers included Joe Gibbs, Sonia Pottinger, Ken Lack, Lloyd Daley and Derrick Harriott: from them came the international popularity of reggae in the 1970s through which many of rock steady’s stars were able to sustain global careers.
ROGER STEFFENS