This is Reggae Music

by Lloyd Bradley

Jamaica is a small country in the Caribbean, 146 miles wide and populated by fewer than three million people. Nevertheless, it has exerted a more powerful hold on international popular music than any nation besides England and America. From Prince Buster to Burning Spear, Lee "Scratch" Perry to Yellowman, Bob Marley to Shabba Ranks, reggae music is one of the most dynamic and powerful musical forms of the twentieth century. And, as Lloyd Bradley shows in his deft, definitive, and always entertaining book, it is and always has been the people's music. Born in the sound systems of the Kingston slums, reggae was the first music poor Jamaicans could call their own, and as it spread throughout the world, it always remained fluid, challenging, and distinctly Jamaican. Based on six years of research -- original interviews with most of reggae's key producers, musicians, and international players -- and a lifelong enthusiasm for one of the most remarkable of the world's musics, This Is Reggae Music is the definitive history of reggae.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History

592 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2001

Reviews

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cram course for new & old ravers. You'll need more records after this. Numerous firsthand accounts, often from the central players. Turn it up, a pageturner.
See also this author's excellent "Reggae On CD" book.
Tougher than tough.

[Fabienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! There is a lot of quotes and parts of interviews, a lot of storytelling and the book moves at a very slow pace. Truly let me feel the vibe in Jamaica at the time. :)
At times a bit repetitive and drawn into lenght, though.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of well researched details on the history of reggae music and all the artists.

[Stephen Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best way for an outsider to understand the remarkable music of Jamaica.

[Douglas Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the same book as "Bass Culture: When Reggae Was King"....great book 🌟

[Stanley Narcisse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great! It really got in depth with the genre, and there are many first hand accounts from artists of the era. There's a movie that they mention titled The Harder They Come. The movie is a depiction of all the aspects of the music. (i.e. artists, producers, sound systems, and sufferation) I will be trying to get a copy of this movie because it is said to be a great depiction of the times and music. Once reggae music solidified itself as the music of Jamaica, and gained obvious recognition on the UK pop charts, the Rastas began to bring a deeper sense of black consciousness to the music. This gave Jamaicans a stronger connection to the music than the dance and cover songs that were on the pop charts. I've learned so much from this book. Since, I am so fascinated with the music and culture I really got into the reading.

[Burgoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best book I've read on the subject. Bradley looks at the development of ska>rocksteady>reggae in its historical & political context. Colonialism, racism, & exploitation played major roles in the development of this musical form, & Bradley doesn't shy from confronting the harsh realities.

He goes beyond the obvious (to Americans, at least) hitmakers to discuss artists & sides more known to aficionados.

Spice all this up with "on the scene" interviews & narratives, & you've got what it takes to develop a fascinating look at this form of music.

I found myself digging out old records I hadn't listened to in years. For the less cluttered, you will probably find yourself buying some great albums!

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good, not great, book chock full of facts & anecdotes. The main problem was that the whole thing was a bit dry as a reading experience and I found myself pushing to finish the 500+ pages. If you're interested in reggae this is a good place to get your history however it will be a mild challenge.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I had more time to read all this book...will definitely come back to it at some point, though. Recently I've returned to some old Trojan records classic rocksteady jams and wanted a quick refresher course on that era in Jamaican music...Bradley's book is awesome. Full a facts and fun anecdotes. Will have to purchase a copy at some point.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a big fan of Jamaican music of the 60's and 70's, I found this to be very informative. It connects the dots in the development of ska-rocksteady-reggae-dub and the Rastafarian influence in the music. It is sometimes hard to follow. But this is a music that like rock musics transition from the 60's to the 70's changes markedly every few years. The author maintains the chronology well enough.

[Andrew Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reggae is indistinguishable from rastafarianism and the sociocultural moment that it was all born out of. This book puts it all in perfect context; it's not just about island vibes and irie and all that shit, but that we're listening to the indigenous music of a truly stranger than fiction culture.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very thorough study of the history of Reggae music, presented in an almost academic style. Tends to assume that the reader already has some familarity with the music, so probably not the best book to start with.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know a lot about reggae music past Bob Marley until I start collecting Trojan records. I figured I'd learn about all that music that came before Bob Marley. That said - most of what I know about Bob Marley I learned from Vh1's Behind the Music.

[Phil Overeem · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strictly amazing history of reggae: fact-filled, broad in analysis, wryly humored, coherent--what more could one want? Plus, it passes my personal test of great music non-fiction: I know it will be putting a dent in my wallet.