Reggae music originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and incorporates some of the musical elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, mento (a celebratory, rural folk form that served its largely rural audience as dance music and an alternative to the hymns and adapted chanteys of local church singing), calypso, African music, as well as other genres. One of the most easily recognizable elements is offbeat rhythms; staccato chords played by a guitar or piano (or both) on the offbeats of the measure. The tempo of reggae is usually slower than ska but faster than rocksteady] The concept of "call and response" can be found throughout reggae music.
The bass guitar often plays the dominant role in reggae. The bass sound in reggae is thick and heavy, and equalized so the upper frequencies are removed and the lower frequencies emphasized. The guitar in reggae usually plays on the off beat of the rhythm. It is common for reggae to be sung in Jamaican Patois, Jamaican English, and Iyaric dialects. Reggae is noted for its tradition of social criticism and religion in its lyrics, although many reggae songs discuss lighter, more personal subjects, such as love and socializing.
Reggae music usually relates news, social gossip, and political comment. It spread into a commercialized jazz field, being known first as ‘Rudie Blues’, then ‘Ska’, later ‘Blue Beat’, and ‘Rock Steady’. It is instantly recognizable from the counterpoint between the bass and drum downbeat, and the offbeat rhythm section. The immediate origins of reggae were in ska and rock steady; from the latter, reggae took over the use of the bass as a percussion instrument.
Bob Marley sitting on the bed of a rented apartment on Gloucester Road in London in February 1978
Noel Gallagher performing with Oasis on The Main Stage in 1995 during Glastonbury's 25th Anniversary Festival
Signed limited edition fine art cassette print by Horace Panter of The Specials 'Ghost Town'
Limited edition giant vintage pin badge featuring artwork of The Stranglers album Rattus Norvegicus by artist Tony Dennis AKA Tape Deck Art
Bob Marley relaxing with friends and family after a show in Houston, Texas in 1976
At the 1995 Glastonbury Festival Joe Strummer relaxes behind the scenes
Bob Dylan captured with his classic stare whilst performing on The Main Stage at the Glastonbury Festival in 1998
Jarvis Cocker performing one of his signature moves with Pulp on The Park Stage during the 2011 Glastonbury Festival
Jeff Buckley performs at Glastonbury in 1995 as part of his Mystery White Boy Tour
Liam Gallagher owning the stage whilst headlining with Oasis at the Glastonbury Festival in 1995
Paul Weller performing on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury in 2015
This atmospheric photo perfectly captures the spirit of Glastonbury with its ticker tape sky.
The flags and sign for the Glastonbury Festival sit against the tranquil calm of the Somerset countryside
"Bob Marley took a break from touring and came by my studio in Primrose Hill. He was in such a fantastic mode that day, really playful."
Bob Marley's last London show on 7 June 1980 at the Crystal Palace Bowl
Bob Marley and the Wailers walking to their sound check before their performance in Birmingham on 19th July 1975
Taken at the The Cattle Show Grounds, Roskilde Festival, Denmark in 1978, Bob Marley performs as part of the three-day festival.
Bob Marley performing onstage at 400 Years, Houston, Texas in 1976
Bob Marley backstage before performing at Ahoy Hall, Rotterdam in 1978
Rare contact sheet by David Corio with a fantastic selection of images of Bob Marley performing in London in 1980.
Bob Marley, Mick Jagger and Peter Tosh. Backstage after the Rolling Stones concert at the Palladium Theatre, New York 1978
Jarvis Cocker performing one of his signature moves with Pulp on The Park Stage during the 2011 Glastonbury Festival
Exclusive David Bowie print specially created by The Postman for Rockarchive, based on a photograph taken by Dave Hogan at Live Aid in 1985
A unique collection of images of Pink Floyd, one of the worlds most successful and influential rock bands.
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968 & considered one of the most innovative & influential rock bands in history.
Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres.
Oasis was an English rock music band formed in Manchester in 1991, to date the band has sold over 70 million records worldwide.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Artist Morgan Howell's paintings of record sleeves have become cult classics. We are delighted to introduce a range of his affordable prints
During his 30 year career Jake Chessum has shot defining images of musicians such as Amy Winehouse, Jay Z, The Beastie Boys & David Bowie.
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists