The Skatalites are more than a band, they are an institution. An aggregation of top-notch musicians who didn’t merely define the sound of Jamaica, but WERE the sound in the ’60s. Frequently credited as the originators of ska – The Skatalites’ various members banded together. As both an original group and the often uncredited backing band for artists and producers such as Prince Buster, Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid. The Skatalites built the foundation for Jamaican music, and were part of it’s evolution as it morphed from ska to rock steady then reggae. Skatalites Ska Train

Although the group officially existed in its original incarnation for less than 18 months (1964-1965), its members brought their signature styles to thousands of the island’s releases. Following a handful of reunions in the ’70s and early ’80s, The Skatalites re-formed for good in 1986.

The Skatalites have been through their share of transformation and have sadly seen most of the band’s original members pass on. Each of today’s existing members were hand-picked by the band’s original members to play. They continue to hold down the tradition by performing at some of the most prestigious festivals around the world.

60th Anniversary

To mark its 60th anniversary, the Skatatites went into the studio to record a new single with two new songs: ‘Ska Train’ and ‘Dance Away’. The release of the single coincides with Record Store Day (RSD). An annual event inaugurated in 2007 to “celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store”.

The new single by The Skatalites is released in the USA by Jump Up Records. A Chicago based independent record label and mail order distribution company specializing in modern bands. Bands who play original Jamaican ska. reggae, rock steady, and calypso. This single is distributed in Europe by AGGROSHOP.COM. The distribution arm of Aggrobeat Records, a Dutch/German record label specialised in reggae music.

Skatalites Ska Train