The 23 Greatest Reggae Bands of All Time

Reggae emerged from Jamaica in the late 1960s and quickly became one of the most influential musical forces in the world, carrying messages of resistance, spirituality, and love to every corner of the globe. From the foundational legends of Kingston to the British bands who carried the torch across the Atlantic, these artists defined a genre that still resonates decades later. Cast your vote for the reggae band that left the deepest mark on music history.

1. 1
   Toots and the Maytals

   Jamaican ska and reggae band fronted by Toots Hibbert, known for "Pressure Drop"
   1000pts
2. 2
   UB40

   Birmingham multiracial band formed in 1978 whose Labour of Love covers, led by Red Red Wine, made them one of the best-selling reggae acts ever.
   646pts
3. 3
   Misty in Roots

   British roots reggae band, pioneers of UK reggae scene
   646pts
4. 4
   Bob Marley & The Wailers

   The legendary reggae band led by Bob Marley, pioneers of reggae's worldwide popularity
   646pts
5. 5
   Groundation

   American roots reggae band with jazz influences
   624pts
6. 6
   The Abyssinians

   Kingston harmony trio formed in 1968 whose Rastafarian anthem Satta Massagana became one of the most covered and revered songs in roots reggae.
   564pts
7. 7
   The Gladiators

   Roots trio founded by Albert Griffiths in the 1960s, Studio One regulars whose 1976 album Trenchtown Mix Up brought their conscious harmonies worldwide.
   523pts
8. 8
   Third World

   Jamaican reggae band known for blending reggae with pop and R&B elements
   516pts
9. 9
   Wailing Souls

   Long-running Jamaican vocal group led by Winston Pipe Matthews, cutting classics from Studio One to Channel One and earning Grammy nominations in the 1990s.
   461pts
10. 10
    The Mighty Diamonds

    Trenchtown harmony trio formed in 1969, famed for the 1976 album Right Time and the enduring sound-system favourite Pass the Kouchie.
    461pts
11. 11
    Israel Vibration

    Jamaican reggae trio known for roots and conscious reggae music
    461pts
12. 12
    Aswad

    British reggae band known for hits like "Don't Turn Around"
    461pts
13. 13
    Culture

    Roots reggae group led by Joseph Hill, known for "Two Sevens Clash"
    400pts
14. 14
    The Skatalites

    Jamaican ska and reggae band, foundational to the development of ska
    329pts
15. 15
    Rebelution

    Santa Barbara band formed in 2004 that became a leading force of American reggae, scoring several number one albums on the Billboard reggae chart.
    329pts
16. 16
    The Congos

    Vocal group whose 1977 album Heart of the Congos, recorded with Lee Scratch Perry at the Black Ark, is hailed as a roots reggae masterpiece.
    329pts
17. 17
    Burning Spear

    Roots reggae artist Winston Rodney, known for deeply spiritual and politically charged music
    248pts
18. 18
    Inner Circle

    Jamaican reggae band famous for "Bad Boys" and "Sweat (A La La La La Long)"
    248pts
19. 19
    Morgan Heritage

    Jamaican reggae family band, Grammy winners for conscious reggae
    248pts
20. 20
    Sly & Robbie

    Legendary Jamaican rhythm duo who played on countless reggae recordings
    154pts
21. 21
    Steel Pulse

    British reggae band from Birmingham, known for conscious lyrics and political commentary
    154pts
22. 22
    Black Uhuru

    Grammy-winning reggae group known for their heavy militant sound
    154pts
23. 23
    SOJA

    Virginia band Soldiers of Jah Army, formed in 1997, a multiple Grammy nominee for Best Reggae Album and a huge touring draw worldwide.
    0pts

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