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 performing at his last ever London show on 7 June 1980 at the Crystal Palace Bowl.
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
Joiner image by Jill Furmanovsky of Bruce Springsteen performing on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2009
Pete Townshend throws his guitar live whilst The Who perform at Madison Square Gardens in the US, 1979.
Nick Cave relaxing in a Brazilian rooftop bar with Saõ Paolo as the backdrop. Taken in February 1994
Cat was renowned for his playing in the extreme high register. He claimed that he developed his screaming high notes to impress the girls.
Nile Rodgers enjoying the crowd when Chic played the Glastonbury Festival in 2017
Devo is an American rock band, formed in 1973 their music mingles science fiction themes, surrealist humor & satirical social commentary.
Pulp are considered to be one of the most innovative and popular bands of the late 20th century and key figures of Britpop
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk.
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band who were in the vanguard of the British music Invasion that became popular in the US in 1964–65.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Our contact sheet print collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
Discover our specially curated collection of limited edition prints from renowned music photographer Gered Mankowitz
Stunning collection of limited edition prints of David Bowie created by award-winning photographer Markus Klinko.