5 Reggae Artists like Bob Marley Who Shaped Reggae

Reggae music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. It has since become so popular that it is loved by people from all over the world. Bob Marley is probably the most known artist as it relates to this musical genre. However, there are many Reggae artists who contributed to this genre and in this article, we'd like to tell you about 5 we rate. 

Painting of Peter Tosh done by KavionArt

1. Peter tosh born Winston McIntosh Oct. 19 1944 . Tosh taught himself to play the guitar as a teen by watching others play. Tosh would meet 2 other aspiring musicians Bob Marley, & Bunny Wailer in the  early 1960s in Trench Town & Under the tutelage of Joe Higgs the 3 developed their love for music & formed a band call the wailing wailers. In 1964 the wailers had their 1st success as group with the ska song called Simmer Down. The wailers would go on to record some of the 1st know reggae songs.

The wailers signed a record contract with Chris Blackwell & Island records releasing their 1st official album Catch a fire in 1973. The wailers went on a long world tour & as devoted rastafarian,  life on the road did not fit Tosh rasta lifestyle. Tosh & bunny left the Wailers in 1974 citing unfair treatment by Chris Blackwell. Tosh went solo & signed with Rolling stones record releasing the album Bush Doctor in 1978, Mystic Man in 1979, Wanted Dead & Alive in 1981, & Mama Africa in 1983. Thru out his career tosh stayed militant & out spoken against injustice & the fight against the legalization of marijuana. In 1984 tosh stepped away from music again & focused more on life as militant activist. 2 years later he came back to music rejuvenated & won the Grammy for best reggae performance in 1987 for his album No Nuclear War. No Nuclear War would be his last album. on September 11 1987 Tosh would be brutally murdered during a home invasion & attempted robbery at his home. Peter tosh always spoke of reggae as the heart beat of the people. Peter Tosh will always be recognized as critical part of the foundation of reggae music.

 Painting of Tanya Stephens done by KavionArt

2.Tanya Stephens emerged is the 1990s. Her first album "Big Thing A Gwaan"  was released in 1994.. She hails from the parish of St.Mary. Known for  using her music to tackle relevant social issues, Tanya Stephens is an influential figure in the music industry. Tanya received international recognition in 1997 for her Gold compilation "It's A Pity" . Tanya made hits like "White Lies", "Come a Long Way", "These Streets" & many more. She's still active on the music scene.

Painting of Gregory Isaacs done by Kavionart

3. Gregory Isaacs also known as Cool Ruler or Lonely Lover made his recording debut with the single "Another Heartache" in 1968 when he was just 17 years old. That single didn't do so well but Isaacs undeterred by failure continued with music. He started the African Museum Record Label and released the hit "My Only Lover" shortly after. This was credited as the very first loves r rock record. After that, Isaacs produced hit after hit. Some of these songs are "Black a Black", "Lonely Soldier",  "All I have is Love" & "Love is Overdue".  Along with success came struggles. Isaacs had a drug addiction that severely affected his voice. Just before his death in 2010, Isaacs released his last album "Isaacs Meet Isaac" which earned him his fourth Grammy nomination for Best Reggae album. Though he's no longer here, his music lives on in our hearts forever. 

Garnett Silk done by Kavionart 

4. Garnett Silk started out as a DJ before he was recognized by Derrick Morgan who became his musical mentor. Though Garnet recorded his first song in 1985, his first single "Problem Everywhere" wasn't released until two years later. Garnett was previously referred to as Bimbo until 1990 when the production duo Steely & Clive who changed him name to Garnett Silk due to his smooth voice. In 1992, he released his debut album "It's Growing" which was one of the best selling in Jamaica that year. He soon released his mega hit "Hello Mama Africa".  This gave him international success & topped the British Reggae Chart. His last song "Zion in A Vision" has been said to allude to his death which happened in 1994 where he tried to save his mother from a fire. We will never forget Garnett Silk. 

Chronixx painted by KavionArt

5. Chronixx referred to as the modern Bob Marley, Chronixx makes music branded as Reggae Revival. Chronnix wrote his first song "Rice Grain" at age 5 & started his recording career at age 11. Before he became who he is today, Chronixx was a producer & harmonizer. His brother's death in 2009 led him to resume songwriting. He later wrote & performed hits such as "Smile Jamaica" & "Here Comes Trouble". His EP "Dread & Terrible" was released in 2014. Since Chronixx has continuously topped charts & execute tours. His last album "Chronology" was nominated for Best Reggae Album in 2017. Can't help but hold a medz to Chronixx' music. 

Artwork done by Kavionart. Check out his work on his website www.kavionart.com or Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KavionArt . Subscribe to this blog or YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNCEsf9I2Sw for more articles like this one.