The Influence of Reggae on Modern Music

Reggae music has existed long before the advent of modern rock music, but it was definitely not at the forefront of any particular musical trends. For many years it existed as a local phenomenon that was not well known to the world outside of Jamaica and the surrounding regions. However, all of this changed in the ’70s when English musicians discovered, and coveted, the reggae sounds and political meanings.

Eric Clapton may be the first modern musician to exploit this technique on his version of “I Shot The Sheriff.Get more information here. http://fleamarketfunk.com/2011/07/08/sir-david-rodigan-all-jamaicans-hands-in-the-air/” This song was well received globally, and other artists were soon to follow his lead. This type of music had an even bigger impact on the nascent punk rock movement in England during the late ’70s. Reggae, and its rougher cousin Ska, was incorporated into many bands musical array, and often with great success.

Two modern bands that have used reggae to great effect, and that have achieved a tremendous level of success, have been The Police and No Doubt. Other, lesser known, bands – such as Fishbone, The Specials, Rancid, etc. – are still performing as well. Reggae is one of the few genres that have managed to remain valid over time, and it is an example of the possibilities available through the marriage of localized sounds and political ambitions.

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