Toots and the Maytals

'Do the Reggay' (1968) was the first song to use the word reggae, naming an emerging style. At its heart was Toots Hibbert, a gospel singer raised in a church choir, whose raw, soulful voice drew comparisons with Otis Redding.

Formed in Kingston as a vocal trio, they sang close harmonies across ska and rocksteady, backed early on by the Skatalites at Studio One. '54-46 That's My Number', reportedly written about their frontman's 18 months behind bars, and 'Sweet and Dandy' rank among the genre's biggest hits, while 'Monkey Man' brought international success in 1970. Signing with Island led to Funky Kingston, Reggae Got Soul and tours alongside the Who.

In late-1970s Britain, the Clash covered 'Pressure Drop' and the Specials revived 'Monkey Man'. Since their leader's death in 2020, the Maytals have remained active.