Best Reggae Singers,
Hands Down!
Don't all shout at once! If your favourite reggae singers don't make my list, maybe you need to be listening to some real music! Just joking - we can't all rate the same singers equally, so I'll see with you if you don't agree with my top picks.
Let me know what you think - do you agree with me, or not? Argue your case - Who do you think I've left off, and who do you think I should drop? Use the form at the bottom of the page if you want to dispute my list, or if you want to tell me I have perfect taste in reggae music! I'm pretty sure I've forgotten a few, so I really hope to hear from you.
If any of these singers is unfamiliar to you, I hope you'll take the time to listen to some of their music. These Jamaican singers span decades. I've slipped in a couple of rock steady greats, since that style is so close to reggae. I've based the list on local popularity, number of hits, international popularity, and (strictly my opinion now) voice quality, stage presence and song quality.
So here goes - my top picks for
The Best Reggae Singers of All Time
| 1970's | 1980's | 1990's | 2000's |
|
Dennis Brown Alton Ellis Marcia Griffiths Toots Hibbert John Holt Gregory Isaacs Bob Marley Peter Tosh Bunny Wailer |
Dennis Brown Marcia Griffiths Gregory Isaacs Barrington Levy Bob Marley Freddie McGregor |
Buju Banton Dennis Brown Beres Hammond Shaggy Garnett Silk Luciano |
Buju Banton Beres Hammond Etana Shaggy Tarrus Riley Chronixx |
Naturally, some of the best singers have been members of great groups or bands. Here are some of the best reggae groups or bands through the years (lead singer in brackets).
| 1970's | 1980's | 1990's | 2000's |
|
Burning Spear (Winston Rodney) Culture (Joseph Hill) Inner Circle (Jacob Miller) Mighty Diamonds Third World (Bunny Rugs) Wailers (Bob Marley) |
Burning Spear (Winston Rodney) Chalice (Trevor Roper) Steel Pulse (David Hinds) Third World (Bunny Rugs) UB40 (Ali Campbell) |
Morgan Heritage (Peter Morgan) |
Morgan Heritage (Peter Morgan) |
You may be thinking, "Well, where are the DJs?" Sorry - this isn't their page. We're talking about reggae singers here, and deejaying is a whole different style.
But you're more than welcome to send us your thoughts on the best DJs - from Daddy URoy to King Yellowman to Mavado. Just use the form below.
Best Reggae Singers and Songs
Tell us about your favourite reggae singers. Have they made it onto my list? Is there anyone on my list that you don't approve as a top pick? If you don't have a favourite singer but you do have a favourite reggae song, let us know what makes it special for you.
What Songs and Singers did others choose?
Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Slim Smith, Delroy Wilson, Jimmy Riley,& Sanchez 
Slim Smith's falsetto is arguably pure,we lost him relatively early in his career but he left behind some classics.He also sang on some rhythms which are …
Your Reggae Singers
Anyone I've introduced his music to has agreed that his voice is spectacular. Listen to Hail the Comforter, Hosanna, United States of Africa, among many. …
Lacksley Castell, Hugh Mundell, Barrington Levy, Ini Kamoze, Junior Reid, Johnny Osbourne, Jimmy Cliff, Johnny Clarke, Yabby You, John Holt, Jacob Miller, etc Not rated yet
When you say best reggae singers, I'd want to think the best vocalists or the best voices in reggae more than anything esle, period! In that case, we have …
Return From Best Singers to Home Page
