10 Essential Reggae Artists

He brought reggae music from Jamaica to the rest of the world with his group Bob Marley & The Wailers. "Redemption Song" is his most well known song, but be sure to check out "Buffalo Soldier," "Get Up, Stand Up," "I Shot The Sheriff," and "Three Little Birds."

2. Sly and Robbie

This bass and drums duo has produced some of the best riddims in reggae. They appear on albums for almost everyone in reggae. Sly and Robbie also recorded with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. They've had several hits in the United States including "Fire" and "Boops."

3. Peter Tosh

Tosh was a member of Bob Marley & The Wailers early on in his career. His most famous song "Legalize It" is an anthem for the legalization of marijuana around the world. He won the 1988 Grammy for Best Reggae Album with "No Nuclear War."

4. Burning Spear

Burning Spear has been a continual player in the Reggae world, having been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards. Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey were huge influences on Spear's life. All of Spear's albums are great, but pay close attention to "Resistance," "Free Man," and "Mek We Dweet."

5. Junior Murvin

Murvin is most famous for the song "Police and Thieves" heard in countless movies including Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels and The Royal Tennenbaums. The Clash made a popular punk cover of the song as well. Murvin's voice is absolutely amazing and he is a must-have for any reggae collection.

6. King Tubby

Going away from the straight reggae artists for a moment, we have King Tubby. King Tubby is arguably the greatest dub artist of all time, an influence of everyone who makes it. "Rastafari Dub" is no doubt his best album.

7. Toots and the Maytals

One of the original reggae groups, Toots and the Maytals influences almost everyone. Their album "Funky Kingston" is in my opinion the best reggae album ever cut.

8. Black Uhuru

One of the most famous reggae groups of all time, Black Uhuru is a must-have. All of their albums are quite good, but "Red" stands out.

9. The Skatalites

I know they're more of a Jamaican ska band, but you have to listen to the Skatalites. "Ska Authentic" and "African Roots" are their two best albums.

10. Lee "Scratch" Perry

Rivals King Tubby as one of the greatest Reggae producers. He, like Tubby, was one of the creators of dub music. Any Lee Perry album you can get your hands on is great. Really.