Rocksteady is a genre of Jamaican music, originating in the mid 60s, that took the place of ska and is the primary inspiration for reggae. It’s slower than ska and tends to be played with smaller bands. The change in tempo led to guitarists and pianists starting to use occasional accents around the typical off-beat pattern found in both genres, as well as more free and distinct basslines that are still a strong feature of a lot of Jamaican music.

Rocksteady takes influence from a number of other genres, including jazz, mento, calypso, and American soul and R&B.

Artists:

• Phyllis Dillon
• Bob Marley & The Wailers
• Jackie Mittoo
• Alton Ellis