The Best Reggae Bands/Artists

Originating in Jamaica in the late 1960s, reggae music has been a powerful vehicle to teach, uplift, and inspire people - especially those from poor neighborhoods in Jamaica. Reggae's influence reaches much further than that, though - many of the best reggae artists are known all over the world are some of the greatest musicians of all time. Though some may consider reggae Jamaican dance music, it is actually a genre influenced by mento and calypso music as well as ska, rocksteady, American jazz and R&B. The offbeat rhythms, staccato chords and a heavy bass sound have come to define the sound associated with reggae bands. Over time, reggae music has come to have both fun and relaxed songs, and serious political music as well. No matter what side of the fence you are on, famous reggae artists have turned their music into an international movement.

So, what are the best reggae artists? Any list of reggae bands has to include the likes of Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Toots & the Maytals, Lee "Scratch" Perry and Damian Marley. These reggae singers are among the most recognizable in the genre and with good reason. These reggae artists have some of the biggest and most famous reggae songs of all time. Without these reggae artists, it's unlikely that the genre wouldn't have the strong, devoted following that it has today. 

That said, it's up to you to determine who the best reggae artists are. If you're familiar with the top reggae artists, then feel free to cast your vote. This list answers the questions "who are the best reggae bands of all time?" and "who is the greatest reggae musician ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music instead of just voting for the most popular reggae bands that you might've heard of.