Jamaican Rocksteady

Rocksteady music is the direct predecessor of reggae music during the early 1960s in Jamaica. The lyrics of Rocksteady music mainly deal with love and the rude boy culture. Descending straight from the Ska which was made for dancing Jamaican Rocksteady was a dancing music as well. Dancing to Rocksteady was less energetic than the earlier Ska dance moves. Rocksteady is about one third or even half the speed of Ska. This gives the dancers a more relaxed style of dancing.

It’s believed that the name Rocksteady came out of the dancing style. During this period it was common for dance styles to be described in songs. There was “Twist”, “Locomotion” and Jamaica had Rocksteady. Because this dance was done at a slower pace in regards to ska, it was like rocking steadily.

Although Rocksteady took Jamaica by storm and had great success it gave way to more potent reggae music. Rocksteady era was the training ground for reggae musicians as many of the famous reggae bands and singers started during this period. If Bob Marley is the king of Reggae then Alton Ellis is the Emperor of Rocksteady music. He ruled the 1960s with hits after hits after hits. As much as Sir Coxone Dad and studio one was responsible for his early success. Alton Ellis was also very instrumental in the growth and fame of studio one with his many hit songs.

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