Toots and the Maytals
Jamaica, 1962–2020
Jamaican group led by the gospel-powered voice of Toots Hibbert (1942–2020), one of the fathers of reggae — their 1968 'Do the Reggay' first put the word on record. Fusing church gospel and American soul with ska and rocksteady, they cut classics like 'Pressure Drop', '54-46 Was My Number' and 'Monkey Man'.
MusicRoots documents 4 artists who influenced Toots and the Maytals and 1 artist Toots and the Maytals influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.
Who influenced Toots and the Maytals?
- Ray Charles — Toots Hibbert named Ray Charles among his key influences — Charles's gospel-soul fusion shaped Toots's church-powered reggae voice.
- Otis Redding — Toots Hibbert, often called 'the Otis Redding of reggae', cited Redding as a key influence on his soul-drenched delivery.
- James Brown — James Brown's funk and showmanship were among the American influences Toots Hibbert named on his reggae-soul sound.
- Wilson Pickett — One of the four soul singers Toots Hibbert named as key influences.
Which artists did Toots and the Maytals influence?
- The Specials — The Specials covered Toots and the Maytals' 'Monkey Man' on their 1979 debut, drawing directly on the Maytals' ska and rocksteady.