Backdrop image for movie Roots Rock Reggae: Inside The Jamaican Music Scene

Roots Rock Reggae: Inside The Jamaican Music Scene (1977)

'Roots Rock Reggae' depicts an unforgettable moment in Jamaica's history when music defined the island's struggles and immortalized its heroes. Director Jeremy Marre films Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Lee 'Scratch' Perry record in his legendary Black Ark studio with The Upsetters. Jimmy Cliff rehearses with Sly and Robbie, while Inner Circle's historic live gig is recorded on the violent Kingston streets. The legendary Abyssinians harmonize their haunting Rastafarian songs; Joe Higgs (formerly Bob Marley's teacher) plays and talks; majestic toaster U Roy raps alongside The Mighty Diamonds, and Third World record in a Kingston studio. There is also early archive footage of Toots and the Maytals, and Haile Selessie's royal visit to Jamaica while police and thieves battle it out on the streets, and the ghettos erupt in violence. 1977: An extraordinary year for Reggae music.

  • Music
  • Documentary

Top billed cast

  • Photo of Jimmy CliffJimmy CliffSelf
  • Photo of Joe GibbsJoe GibbsSelf
  • Photo of Dennis BrownDennis BrownSelf
  • Photo of Michael ManleyMichael ManleySelf
  • Photo of Jacob MillerJacob MillerSelf
  • Photo of Lee PerryLee PerrySelf
  • Photo of U-RoyU-RoySelf
  • Photo of Bob MarleyBob MarleySelf
  • Photo of Joe HiggsJoe HiggsSelf
  • Photo of Toots HibbertToots HibbertSelf (Archival Footage)

Similar to Roots Rock Reggae: Inside The Jamaican Music Scene