Toots and the Maytals, Jamaican Music Legend

Posted on August 9, 2008 in the old school, ska category

Toots Hibbert and his Maytals have been pioneers of every
development of Jamaican music, from ska to rock steady to reggae. Toots is
a true old school reggae musician! The group has often been
credited with coining the term “reggae” as a genre of music. Toots and the
Maytals produced some of the greatest ska during the early 1960’s ska era,
including DOG WAR or BROADWAY JUNGLE.

As ska gave way to rocksteady, Toots and the Maytals
produced hits like 54-46 (That’s My Number). Then as rocksteady
gave way to reggae, they brought us hits like Do the Reggay
(first published use of the word), the hit Monkey Man and Sweet and Dandy in 1969.

Toots Hibbert is a very soulful singer and a joy to see live.
His legions of fans all over the world find his smile, positive vibes and lyrics
contagious.

Watch Toots singing Love is the Best There Is and talking about his early career aspirations: