The Skatalites

60th Anniversary of The Skatalites

2024 marks the 60th Anniversary of The Skatalites whose influence in the world of ska is unparalleled.

Formation and Early Years

The original members played on hundreds of recording sessions before forming the band in 1964. Backing most of the vocalists in Jamaica at that time, including Bob Marley, Toots and The Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe and many more The Skatalites secured their place in history early on. After disbanding in 1965 the individual members continued playing in various groups as the music evolved from ska to rocksteady to reggae.

The Two-Tone Era

In the late 70s a resurgence of interest in the music began in the U.K. which caused the creation of many bands such as The Specials, The English Beat, Madness, The Selecter and Bad Manners. This became known as the Two-Tone era and these British musicians fused rock music with the ska and reggae.

Global Spread

In The early 80s the music started to spread to the U.S.A and other parts of the world. Bands began to emerge all over the globe playing different flavors of ska and reggae fused with whatever else they wanted to throw in, including hard core, jazz and even punk.

Reunion and U.S. Expansion

In 1983 The Skatalites reunited to play Reggae Sunsplash in Montego Bay and subsequently in London at The Crystal Palace for the U.K version of the Sunsplash event. A few years later they began emigrating to the U.S.A and in 1986 the first US shows began at The Village Gate in NYC. The band supported Bunny Wailer on The Liberation Tour in 1989 and followed it up in 1990 embarking on their first-ever headline tour of The U.S.A.

Continued Legacy

The Skatalites have not stopped touring the world ever since and continue to be available for festivals, casinos, and intimate venue settings. Their uniquely infectious brand of real, authentic Jamaican ska excites audiences of all ages across the globe year after year.

We hope you will enjoy listening to our music as much as we enjoy performing it for you.