Ska Music originated in Jamaica as a result of Jamaican musicians adopting and personalising many different forms of American music. By the early 1950's Jamaican bands were taking inspiration from American artists and forming bands like Eric Deans Orchestra featuring the talents of trombonist Don Drummond and guitarist Ernest Ranglin. By the end of the 1950's, jazz, R&B, and mento (a style of calypso) influences were merged into a new style called Shuffle. Shuffle gained popularity through the works of such greats as Neville Esson, Owen Grey, The Overtakers, and The Matador Allstars.
In 1962, a time when Jamaica was copying the musical style of America, Cecil Bustamente Campbell, later known as Prince Buster, knew that something new was needed. He had his guitarist Jah Jerry emphasize the offbeat instead of the downbeat. To the present day, the offbeat is essential to Jamaican music styles. Ska Music was born.
Despite the primitive mono recording facilities, it was the determination of the ska enthusiasts which enabled ska to become the first truly commercial Jamaican Music. In fact, the ska was later named the national dance and music of Jamaica.
Despite the primitive mono recording facilities, it was the determination of the ska enthusiasts which enabled ska to become the first truly commercial Jamaican Music. In fact, the ska was later named the national dance and music of Jamaica.
In the 1970's the Rude Boy ideals were revitalized and expressed in the fusion of reggae and punk by bands such as The Clash (Rudie Can't Fail). In the mid to late 1970's, bands such as The Coventry Automatics chose to use ska instead of reggae because, according to Jerry Dammers, it was easier. The Coventry Automatics later became The Automatics then The Specials AKA The Automatics, then The Special AKA, then The Specials.
In 1979 2-Tone Records was formed. Black and white became a symbol and 2 Tone ska was born. The 2 Tone logo of a man in a black suit white shirt, black tie, sunglasses, pork pie hat, white socks and black loafers became the official logo and was named Walt Jabsco.
Bands such as Madness, The Beat, The Selecter, The Bodysnatchers, and The Specials revitalized the classic ska sounds of Prince Buster.
Two Tone bands may have been the most popular from 1978-85 however they were not the only ones playing ska. Others included The Tigers, Ska City Rockers and The Akrylykz.
Bands such as Madness, The Beat, The Selecter, The Bodysnatchers, and The Specials revitalized the classic ska sounds of Prince Buster.
Two Tone bands may have been the most popular from 1978-85 however they were not the only ones playing ska. Others included The Tigers, Ska City Rockers and The Akrylykz.
'Skingirl' dancing
Montage of loads of generic ska images.
To coincide with the release of the film "This is England" by Shane Meadows,
PYMCA presents an exhibition of skinhead culture from the early 1980's upon which the film is based.
Containing the unique collection of Gavin Watson from the book 'Skins',
this exhibition offers a unique insight into the lives of young members of this subculture in this turbulent era.
'Skinheads' UK Documnentary on skinhead culture.
