Rocksteady : Hidden Treasures

I sifted through hundreds of Rocksteady songs to curate this mix today. Some tracks you may recognize, others may be a discovery. Still, the one thread throughout is the joy and energy that come through in each of these songs from the late 60s before the shift into the more conscious reggae known as roots, which would come on the heels of Rocksteady’s short, transitional era.

Today, we're highlighting the golden but often overlooked era of Rocksteady, a short-lived yet profoundly influential chapter in reggae history.

Born in the mid-1960s, Rocksteady emerged around 1966 and reigned for about two to three years before evolving into reggae. But in that brief window, it left an unforgettable mark. The tempo slowed down from the upbeat ska that came before, giving room for deeper basslines, soulful vocals, and lyrics that ranged from romantic ballads to social commentary.

I’ll be playing lesser-known gems, deep cuts, and rare Rocksteady selections that deserve more ears, more love, and more rewinds.

PLAYLIST

1. King Stitt & The Dynamites - Fire Corner

2. Phyllis Dillon - We Belong Together

3. The Ethiopians - Owe Me No Pay Me

4. Roy Shirley - Dance Arena

5. Dave Barker & The Upsetters - Shocks Of Mighty

6. Yvonne Harrison - Near To You

7. High Malcolm - Good Time Rock

8. Sidney Goerge & Jackie - At The Club

9. The Jamaicans - Things You Say You Love

10. Joe White - Rudies All Round

11. The Pioneers - Money Day

12. Helmsley Morris - Little Things

13. The Pioneers - Na Na

14. Delroy Wilson - Cool Operator

15. Keith & Tex - Hypnotizing Eyes

16. The Uniques - A Yuh (Hey You)

17. Slim Smith - Watch This Sound

18. The Tennors - Hopeful Village

19. Larry Marshall - Throw Mi Corn

20. Lester Sterling - Reggae In The Wind

21. Hopeton Lewis - Rock A Shacka

22. The Termites - Love Up Kiss Up

23. The Ethiopians - Everything Crash

24. The Versatiles - Push It In

I came across this video that interviewed some of the artists that helped create the fabric of Rocksteady