Rock+Steady

=Rocksteady=

Rocksteady is a musical genre that dominated Jamaica from the late 1966 to late 1968. A short lived style, it is essentially considered to be the successor to ska (as it is a result from slowing ska beat), and a precursor to the roots reggae beat we recognize today.

Rocksteady differs from ska in its slowed down tempo, the reduced use of horns, and a leading rhythm guitar as opposed to the bass. It also differs from classic reggae which tends to have an even slower beat, a distinct guitar rhythm, and a more pronounce use of the rim shot.

Rocksteady gave birth to many artists who helped the genre onward into Reggae. Artists like Robert Nesta Marley, later known as Bob Marley and The Wailers, have deep set roots in Ska and Rocksteady.

An example of Rocksteady music - Toots & The Maytalls

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 * Consulted Sources**

Niceup.com (2006) Reggae - History Retrieved November 8, 2006, from http://niceup.com/history.html

Niceup.com (2006) Reggae - Jamaican Music 1959-1973 Retrieved November 8, 2006, from http://niceup.com/history/ja_music_59-73.html

Wikipedia.org (2006) Rocksteady Retrieved November 8, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocksteady