THE FUNKIEST KEYBOARD PLAYER TO EVER EMERGE FROM JAMAICA

JACKIE MITTOO: THE LEGENDARY FUNKY KEYBOARD ICON OF REGGAE

Jackie Mittoo’s mark on reggae music is indisputable, from his early beginnings as a founding member of The Skatalites at age 15 to his work as a writer, arranger, and producer for Studio One Records during the 1960s.

Mittoo’s contributions as a solo artist and band leader for The Soul Brothers, Soul Vendors, and The Sound Dimension are equally impressive.

He played a crucial role in developing Ska, Rocksteady, and Reggae, and his instrumental tracks continue to be used in today’s DJ music and Dancehall genres.

This compilation showcases Mittoo’s solo work at Studio One, recorded during the mid-1960s when he created the funky reggae sound he became known for.

Not only is Mittoo a revered icon of reggae, but he is also widely celebrated among funk music fans. He is considered the funkiest keyboard player to ever emerge from Jamaica!

ABOUT JACKIE MITTOO

Jackie Mittoo's mark on reggae music is indisputable, from his early beginnings as a founding member of The Skatalites at age 15 to his work as a writer, arranger, and producer for Studio One Records during the 1960s. REGGAE TASTEMAKER

Jackie Mittoo was a keyboard virtuoso and a founding member of reggae music. He was an influential mentor to younger performers and worked as the musical director at Studio One. He played keyboards at a young age and performed professionally in groups such as the Vagabonds and the Vikings. He met producer Coxsone Dodd at a nearby club and was recruited for recording sessions. He formed a trio called the Jackie Mitree with fellow students and performed his original compositions.

He also earned attention in Jamaica’s Sheiks band in 1962 and became musical director for Studio One in 1963. He formed the quintessential ska band, The Skatalites, in 1964, which included other session regulars from Studio One. The band’s influence on music worldwide remains significant.

Jackie Mittoo was a Jamaican musician who began a solo career after splitting from his previous band. He had a major hit with his rendition of “Fatty Fatty” and went on to release several instrumental LPs. He continued to work at Studio One and delivered five new rhythms a week, resulting in thousands of compositions. Some of his greatest contributions include “Darker Shade of Black,” “Bobby Babylon,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” “Feel Like Jumping,” and “Baby Why.” His song “Peanie Wallie” was later versioned by Bob Marley and became the hit “Duppy Conqueror.”

Jackie Mittoo, a reggae performer, moved from Jamaica to Toronto in 1968 and became a regular performer in the city’s Yonge Street area. He remained connected to Studio One in Kingston and worked for the Canadian Talent Library, which aimed to promote Canadian music on national radio.

The musician Jackie Mittoo lived in Canada for four years, which made his work eligible as “Canadian content.” He recorded the album Reggae Magic, which included the hit ‘Wish Bone,” for the CTL during this time. In the mid-70s, Mittoo travelled to England to record a series of LPs, and in the following decade, he worked with various musicians. In 1989 he joined the reunited Skatalites, but his health problems forced him to leave. Mittoo passed away on December 16, 1990, due to cancer.