The Sattalites

The Sattalites are a Canadian reggae group. Founded in Toronto, Ontario as a music school in 1981, the band has become one of the most successful Canadian reggae ensembles. They signed with the Canadian record label Solid Gold Records early in their career and have been with them ever since. Their style has been described as a radio-friendly combination of lover's rock and dancehall.

History

Founding members Fergus Hambleton and Jo Jo Bennett first met as backing musicians, supporting the trio of Tony Tuff, Cornell Campbell and George Faith in concert. Hambleton had previous played horns live for other top reggae artists such as Horace Andy and Barrington Levy.

The pair began performing together, mixing Bennett's instrumentals with Hambleton's smooth alto voice to create the Sattalites' sound. In tandem, the band started as a teaching group who opened the Sattalites Music School on a pay-what-you-can basis to spread their influence in 1981. The Sattalites consisted of various types of students from the school who wanted a sense of live performing. By 1982, the Sattalites had melded into a collaboration of musicians from talented beginners to experienced pros, some of whom still...

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