During the late 1950s, the popular Caribbean mento and calypso sounds began to combine in Jamaica with the vocal influences of U.S. soul and R&B. Initially this resulted in the sweet vocals and fast rhythms of ska. But as ska slowed down and added vocal harmonies, it morphed into rocksteady during the mid-'60s. This in turn led, by the end of that decade, to the hiccuping skank of reggae. In the 1970s, Bob Marley helped develop and introduce reggae to international audiences, infusing the music with Rastafarian beliefs and political messages. The '80s brought the digital rhythms and gruff-voiced style of dancehall.

Notable Artists: Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Sean Paul