This Ska index brings together the great names of original 60's Jamaica Ska. It pieces together the pioneers of  Ska, The Skatalites (above) who also brought us Rock Steady. It pays tribute to Tommy McCook and Roland Alphonso, two founder members who are no longer with us. Recent appearances of both the Skatalites and Prince Buster, live in London, are reviewed with photographs.

Check out the two record producers, Duke Reid (left) and Clement 'Coxone' Dodd, giants of Jamaican music in the sixties, sound system pioneers who travelled the island pumping out the fast Ska. Recording in their own studio's, Studio One and Treasure Isle. Finding local artists to record home grown tunes to entertain the local dancers who flocked to the dances on most weekends. Making acetate or soft wax records solely to play at the dances. Prince Buster and his Voice Of The People sound system, his Buster record label and record shop at 36 Charles Street....

Finally, on the CD Collecting page, links can be found to obtain those wanted CD's as well as finding out what is currently available.

Justin Hinds Remembered

On The Decks

Playing Blue Beat 338 Prince Buster Big Fight from 1966. Prince Buster recorded two singles with the same title Big Fight. The first BB 282 which is a straight vocal. The second BB 338 had the added crowd effect of cheering which in my opinion is the better of the two. Prince Buster having been a boxer it's not surprising that he supported Cassius Clay. Prince Buster used the themes of fighting in many of his records, in particular on Linger On, Ali Shuffle, Float Like a Butterfly, and Hit Me Back . This link has been provided by Ramjamclub on Youtube.com

ska2soul