Musical Youth – Pass The Dutchie
In September 1982, Birmingham schoolboys Musical Youth released Pass The Dutchie on MCA, a rewrite for daytime radio of the Mighty Diamonds' Pass the Kouchie.
Peter Tosh – Johnny B. Goode
In 1983, Peter Tosh opened the Mama Africa campaign with a reggae version of Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode, produced with Chris Kimsey for EMI America.
The Specials – Gangsters
In January 1979 at Horizon Studios in Coventry, The Specials recorded Gangsters for about £700 and launched Jerry Dammers' 2 Tone label.
Exodus – Bob Marley & The Wailers
In early 1977 Bob Marley & The Wailers recorded Exodus in London after the Hope Road shooting, and built a two-sided album that still runs from politics to dancefloor.
Jimmy Cliff – The voice that carried The Harder They Come
From Somerton, Jamaica, to the 1972 film The Harder They Come, Jimmy Cliff took ska and early reggae abroad: "Many Rivers to Cross," "You Can Get It If You Really Want," and a career that outlasted each new wave.
Madness – Camden ska with a comic punch
Madness took Camden ska into the UK charts with comic videos and a rhythm section that stayed tight.
The Harder They Come
The Harder They Come (1972) stars Jimmy Cliff and sends reggae worldwide on an Island soundtrack that still defines the film.
Bob Marley – The island carried in a voice
On 3 December 1976 at 56 Hope Road, Kingston, gunmen interrupted a Smile Jamaica rehearsal.
One Love Peace Concert 1978 – Bob Marley
On 22 April 1978 at Kingston’s National Stadium, Bob Marley called Michael Manley and Edward Seaga onstage during Jamming and joined their hands.
What if Fela Kuti had moved the Kalakuta Republic to London in 1977?
After the February 1977 attack on Kalakuta, Fela Kuti moves his community and band to London instead of rebuilding in Lagos.
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