TIMELINE EXPLORE OUR HISTORY

This timeline shows an interactive journey through Jamaica's rich and ever-shifting musical history; encompassing it's birth, growth and myriad of characters that has made it a genre admired by the world.

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1959

image Nicky Thomas' first hint of success came with the release of 1959 "Run Nigel Run" produced by veteran singer Derrick Harriott and credited to The Chuckles.

1959

image Byron Lee presenting former Prime Minister Edward Seaga with a copy of the group's 1959 album 'Dumplings', which Seaga produced. Dumplings was Byron Lee's first song which was an instant hit

1959

image Byron Lee is known to have introduced the electric bass guitar to Jamaica in late 1959. The bass guitar soon gained popularity throughout the country and became the standard. The electric bass' louder, clearer, and more 'in your fac

1958

image King Tubby formed his own sound system 'Tubby's Home-Town Hi-Fi' in 1958. It was famed for its high quality and innovation.

1958

image Possibly, the first ska single was "Little Sheila" by Laurel Aitken, recorded in 1958.

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