Reggaeology – The Reggae History Experience

Inundated with personal idiosyncrasies Don Drummond was an unrecognized savant, who grew to become one of Jamaica's most celebrated musical creators, though his legacy as a musical innovator is tainted by his convicted crime of passion, He is, without a doubt, one of the greatest graces that have ever bestowed Jamaican music.

Dub is considered one of the most recognizable musical genres in the world and along the way has become the touchstone framework for a flurry of contemporary urban genres, such as EDM, Dubstep, Hiphop, Rap, Jungle, Grime, and Afrodub, all encapsulated remixes of a primordial soundscape that emerged from the mind of a man whose legacy is remembered by few in these modern times.

The King of the Remix, the late great, King Tubby. 

In this installement we feature Jamaica's First Musical Legend, Louise Bennett. Long before Harry Belafonte became the poster boy of Caribbean music, and Bob had his first sip of music, the rambunctious Miss Lou was charting her course, and along the way became the primordial pioneer of Jamaican music.

Stay Tuned For Season II Premiering on the 1st of Feb 2021!!

2020 Season Production Credits

Recorded at:
OnlyAudio Studio
Portmore, St. Catherine

Recorded & Mixed By:
Lloyd Laing

Produced by:
Avaris Interactive Group Ltd.

Creative Direction:
Krystle Kerr
Lloyd Laing

Research By:
Reggaeology.com

Vocal Talent:
The Reggaeologist

Sound Design By:
Avaris Interactive Studios

Mastered at:
Avaris Interactive Studios

If there is one person in Jamaican music that has never been given his due credit, it is the man who some consider the "GodFather of Reggae", Joe Higgs. The unheralded mentor and inspirator of legends such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bob Andy, and Derrick Harriott, it is his musical alchemy in the primordial echo chamber of Reggae, that continues to resonate throughout history.

Throughout Reggae's inundated history of untold covers, uncredited renditions and unwitting reprises, the blurred lines that form the musical bridge between the original cuts and local versions, have always set the stage for some of Jamaican music's best-untold moments in history.

Trevor Sparks unique technique of Lovers Rock inspired lyrics dripped on hardcore dancehall riddims spawned a hybrid soundscape in an ever-evolving echo chamber. His place in Reggae history, howver, is not about the size of his catalogue, or the hits he sold and left us along the way..but his ability to transcend Lovers Rock to the forefront of the 90's hardcore Dancehall Arena.

Etched in Reggae History as Jamaica's first international teen pop sensation, Millie Small's groundbreaking cover single in 1964, helped open the floodgates for the island's musical presence in the global arena. And though her rise to stardom is known by many, her bittersweet journey is told by few.

Considered the father of Lovers Rock, his quintessential image as the original rude loverboy made Gregory Issacs into one of the most recognizable figures in Jamaican music.

It can be argued, that even in today's Dancehall arena, there is little space for a female artist. 

The gritty, testosterone-driven echosystem offers meagre space for femininity and even less affinity for gentlemanly courtesies.

In the 80's it was just the same.

A rough and tumbled crowd vieing for fickle discerning fans at a time when jamaica's new digital soundscape had captivated Dancehall, and on sheer tenacity, and support from her brother Brigadier Jerry, Sister Nancy would cut a path to legendary status, but not without trials, sweat, and tears along the way.

The name Fuzzy Jones might ring a bell to few, but his witty quips and timeless intros on some of Hip-Hop biggest singles, and Dancehall's legendary dubplates, have helped carve out Jamaica's presence in the mainstream music arena, and earned him a cult status in the Dancehall.

Judy Mowatt is historically synonymous with Bob Marley, and her work with the Gaylettes, The I-Threes, and her shepherding Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers on tour in the band's early years. But it is her journey as a solo act spanning 5 decades, that leaves us with one of the most enduring stories in Reggae History.

In this episode we take a journey through the life, the times, and the music of one of the early influencers of Roots Reggae's early soundscape helping the trio of Poli surviovors to become one of jamaican music's most respected musical ambassadors. 

In this episode we take a journey through the life, the times, and the music of Diana King, one of Jamaica's most successful female artists of all times.