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toots and maytals

Biography

Toots and the Maytals, founded by Frederick 'Toots' Hibbert in the early 1960s in Kingston, Jamaica, are celebrated as one of the most influential groups in the history of reggae and ska. Hibbert, born in May Pen, Clarendon Parish in 1942, grew up singing gospel in church before moving to Kingston as a teenager, where he met Henry 'Raleigh' Gordon and Nathaniel 'Jerry' Mathias. Together, they formed The Maytals, initially recording for producer Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd at Studio One, with their gospel-infused harmonies quickly distinguishing them in Jamaica’s burgeoning ska scene. Their early years saw collaborations with legendary backing bands like The Skatalites and producers such as Prince Buster and Byron Lee, leading to hits like 'Bam Bam' and a win at the inaugural Jamaica Festival Song Competition in 1966.

The group’s trajectory was briefly interrupted when Hibbert was imprisoned on a controversial drug charge in 1966, an experience that inspired the classic song '54-46 Was My Number.' Upon his release, the group rebranded as Toots and the Maytals and began working with producer Leslie Kong, resulting in international hits such as 'Pressure Drop,' 'Monkey Man,' and 'Do the Reggay'—the latter widely credited with coining the term 'reggae.' Their energetic blend of gospel, soul, ska, and reggae, paired with Hibbert’s powerful, soulful vocals (often compared to Otis Redding), helped define the sound of Jamaican music in the 1960s and 1970s. The band’s music reached global audiences through the soundtrack of the film 'The Harder They Come' and albums like 'Funky Kingston' and 'Reggae Got Soul.'

Toots and the Maytals’ legacy is immense: they are recognized as reggae pioneers alongside Bob Marley, credited with shaping the genre’s sound and spirit. Their influence extends across decades and genres, inspiring countless musicians worldwide and leaving an indelible mark on popular music. Hibbert continued to perform and record until his death in 2020, cementing the group’s place as icons of Jamaican music.

Fun Facts

  • The song 'Do the Reggay' (1968) is widely credited with giving the reggae genre its name.
  • Toots Hibbert’s soulful vocal style was often compared to American soul legend Otis Redding.
  • The group’s song 'Pressure Drop' was featured on the influential soundtrack to the film 'The Harder They Come' (1972), helping introduce reggae to international audiences.
  • Toots Hibbert wrote '54-46 Was My Number' about his own experience of being imprisoned on a marijuana charge.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd - Early producer and mentor at Studio One, provided first recording opportunities and guidance in the Jamaican music industry. (Never Grow Old – presenting the Maytals (1962-63)) [1962-1964]
  • Byron Lee - Producer and bandleader who helped the Maytals transition from ska to rocksteady, and produced their second album. (Bam Bam, second LP) [1965-1966]

Key Collaborators

  • Henry 'Raleigh' Gordon - Founding member and vocalist in the original trio. (All early Maytals recordings) [1962-1980s]
  • Nathaniel 'Jerry' Mathias - Founding member and vocalist in the original trio. (All early Maytals recordings) [1962-1980s]
  • Leslie Kong - Producer responsible for many of the group’s biggest hits during their late 1960s/early 1970s period. (Pressure Drop, Monkey Man, Do the Reggay) [1968-1971]
  • The Skatalites - Studio One house band who provided musical backing on early recordings. (Never Grow Old – presenting the Maytals) [1962-1964]
  • Jackie Jackson, Hux Brown, Rad Bryan, Paul Douglas - Instrumentalists who joined as the Maytals’ backing band, solidifying the group’s classic sound. (Funky Kingston, Reggae Got Soul) [1970s]

Artists Influenced

  • The Specials - British ska revival band who covered 'Monkey Man' and cited Toots and the Maytals as a key influence. (Monkey Man (cover), The Specials (1979)) [late 1970s-1980s]
  • Amy Winehouse - Cited Toots and the Maytals as a major influence on her vocal style and reggae/ska-inspired tracks. (Monkey Man (cover), live performances) [2000s]
  • No Doubt - American band influenced by Toots and the Maytals’ ska-reggae fusion, collaborated on stage and in recordings. (Monkey Man (live covers), Rock Steady album) [1990s-2000s]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
In The Dark 1973-03-01 Album
Funky Kingston 1973-01-01 Album
Reggae Greats - Toots & The Maytals 1984-07-07 Album
Radiodread 2006-08-22 Album
Knockout 1981-01-01 Album
Pressure Drop: The Definitive Collection 2005 Album
Sweet and Dandy 1969-12-31 Album
Toots & The Maytals - Pressure Drop 2013-03-15 Album
Funky Kingston 1973 Album
Sweet And Dandy 1969-01-01 Album
Bla Bla Bla 1993 Album

Top Tracks

  1. 54-46 Was My Number (In The Dark)
  2. Pressure Drop - Single Version (Reggae Greats - Toots & The Maytals)
  3. Country Road (Funky Kingston)
  4. Funky Kingston (Funky Kingston)
  5. Beautiful Woman (Knockout)
  6. Time Tough (Funky Kingston)
  7. Let Down (Radiodread)
  8. Take Me Home, Country Roads
  9. Sunshine on my Shoulders
  10. Pressure Drop (Sweet and Dandy)

References

  1. reggaeville.com
  2. colourful.com
  3. uvm.edu
  4. blackpast.org
  5. britannica.com

Heard on WWOZ

toots and maytals has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Jan 5, 202622:04Take me Home Country RoadKitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman
Oct 24, 202515:17we shall overcomeThe Blues Breakdown
Sep 29, 202522:07Pressure DropKitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman