The Maytals

The Maytals, known from 1972 to 2020 as Toots and the Maytals, are a Jamaican musical group recognized for their significant contributions to ska and rocksteady music, pioneering the reggae genre. After releasing the historically significant 1968 single ‘Do the Reggay,’ which notably coined the term ‘reggae’ and named the genre, The Maytals established themselves as pioneers of ska, rocksteady, and reggae music. Initially formed as a vocal trio in the early 1960s, the group garnered early success recording for producer Clement ‘Coxsone’ Dodd at Studio One, backed by The Skatalites. Their gospel-influenced harmonies quickly gained attention, leading to sessions with Prince Buster and later with Byron Lee in 1966.

Later that year, the group was officially renamed Toots and the Maytals, achieving continued international acclaim with albums such as the critically lauded ‘Funky Kingston’ (1973) and ‘Reggae Got Soul’ (1975). Music critic Lester Bangs famously described ‘Funky Kingston’ as ‘perfection.’ The group toured extensively, opening for major acts including The Who (1975–76), Jackson Browne, The Eagles, and Linda Ronstadt. They also co-headlined with Santana at the Winterland Ballroom in 1975. Their influential sound resonated widely, inspiring covers by prominent punk and ska revival bands like The Specials and The Clash.

Now known as The Maytals, the group continues their influential legacy.