Early Reggae

Early reggae marks the transition from rocksteady to the fully developed reggae beat circa 1968–1972 — organ stabs, tighter drums, and growing Rastafarian themes before roots reggae's 1970s peak.

Why it matters: This window produced foundational Wailers sides and Studio One classics. Recognising early reggae prevents collapsing distinct pre-roots sounds into one undifferentiated "classic reggae" bucket.