THE MAYTALS, AN ESSENTIAL ARTIST COLLECTION TO BE LOVED FOREVER
The Maytals, led by the talented Frederick ‘Toots’ Hibbert, have left an indelible mark on the history of Jamaican music. Their six-decade career is a testament to their unparalleled talent and dedication to producing chart-topping hits.
This collection combines their most outstanding work, including their early recordings for Beverley’s Records in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Groundbreaking songs like ’54 46 Was My Number’, ‘Monkey Man’, and ‘Do the Reggay’ are a testament to their innovative spirit. The timeless classics such as ‘Sweet And Dandy’, ‘Pressure Drop’, and ‘Night And Day’ are proof of their ability to create music that transcends generations.
THE MAYTALS’ MUSIC IS A TRUE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE CELEBRATED FOR YEARS.
ABOUT THE MAYTALS
The Maytals were crucial to Jamaica’s music history and greatly influenced countless artists. Formed in 1962 by Frederick “Toots” Hibbert, Nathaniel McCarthy, and Henry “Raleigh” Gordon as vocalists, the band’s unique ska arrangements and live performances set them apart from other gospel groups.
Toots Hibbert, born in May Pen, Clarendon, 1945, started his singing career in a local church choir. At 15, he moved to Kingston and performed for customers at a barber shop. Later, he formed The Maytals and recorded their debut single, “Hallelujah”, with Coxsone Dodd.
The Maytals recorded hits like “Six and Seven Books of Moses” with producer Dodd, but they weren’t seeing much profit. They left and recorded with other producers, but Dodd still controlled their back catalogue. The group continued to record with different producers, and their singles were collected in two albums.
The Maytals also backed Desmond Dekker and had hits produced by Prince Buster, including “Domino” and “Broadway Jungle.” They won the Festival Song Competition in 1966 with “Bam Bam” but had to take a break when Toots Hibbert was arrested for possession of marijuana. They returned with hits like “54-46 Was My Number,” “Do the Reggay,” and “Pressure Drop,” which helped them win the 1969 Festival Song Competition.
The Maytals released several albums in the late 60s and early 70s, including From the Roots, Monkey Man, and Funky Kingston. The Harder They Come soundtrack brought them international attention. They continued recording and performing until the early 80s, with Toots Hibbert pursuing a solo career.
Toots & the Maytals made a comeback in the 90s with new members and played at events like Reggae Sunsplash. They released two albums and have a few collections available, including The Very Best Of and Time Tough: The Anthology—the Very Best of Toots & the Maytals by Music Club.
MORE FROM THE MAYTALS
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