The Most Famous Reggae Artist, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the reggae artist you think is the most famous!

Updated on Jul 23, 2024 07:48

The vibrant beats of reggae music have resonated across the globe, influencing countless listeners and musicians alike. Knowing which artist stands out in this beloved genre can be a subjective debate filled with personal favorites and varied musical tastes. Ranking the most famous reggae artists helps fans to see which musicians are currently capturing the hearts of their fellow listeners. By participating in the rankings, fans contribute their voice to a collective celebration of reggae music. This process not only highlights the artists who are making significant impacts today but also introduces newcomers to the influential figures of the genre. Each vote helps ensure that the list remains dynamic and reflective of the community's preferences.

Who Is the Most Famous Reggae Artist?

1

31
points
Bob Marley

A Jamaican singer, songwriter, and musician considered one of the pioneers of reggae. His musical career was marked by blending elements of reggae, ska, and rocksteady, as well as forging a smooth and distinctive vocal and songwriting style.
- Full Name: Robert Nesta Marley
- Born: February 6, 1945
- Died: May 11, 1981
In other topics
2

24
points
Peter Tosh

A Jamaican reggae musician. Along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, he was one of the core members of the band The Wailers (1963–1976), after which he established himself as a successful solo artist and a promoter of Rastafari.
- Full Name: Winston Hubert McIntosh
- Born: October 19, 1944
- Died: September 11, 1987
In other topics
- Position 10 in the ranking of the most famous Jamaican
- Position 3 in the ranking of the most famous member of the Rastafarian belief system
3

23
points
Jimmy Cliff

A Jamaican ska and reggae musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, and actor. Among his many hits are "Wild World", "You Can Get It If You Really Want" and "Many Rivers to Cross".
- Full Name: James Chambers
- Born: April 1, 1948
In other topics
- Position 6 in the ranking of the most famous Jamaican
4

14
points
Bunny Wailer

A Jamaican singer-songwriter and percussionist and was an original member of reggae group The Wailers along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. A three-time Grammy award winner, he is considered one of the longtime standard-bearers of reggae music.
- Full Name: Neville O'Riley Livingston
- Born: April 10, 1947
- Died: March 2, 2021
In other topics
- Position 2 in the ranking of the most famous member of the Rastafarian belief system
- Position 8 in the ranking of the most famous Jamaican
5

9
points
Burning Spear

A Jamaican roots reggae singer and musician. Burning Spear is a Rastafari artist who is known for his powerful vocals and uncompromising lyrics.
- Full Name: Winston Rodney
- Born: March 1, 1945
In other topics
- Position 4 in the ranking of the most famous member of the Rastafarian belief system
6

1
points
Gregory Isaacs

A Jamaican reggae musician. Isaacs was known as the "Cool Ruler" for his smooth, romantic singing voice. His biggest hit, "Night Nurse" (1982), is his most well-known song.
- Full Name: Gregory Anthony Isaacs
- Born: July 15, 1951
- Died: October 25, 2010
7

0
points
Toots Hibbert

A Jamaican singer and songwriter who was the lead vocalist for the reggae and ska band Toots and the Maytals. A reggae pioneer, he is credited with popularizing the genre.
- Full Name: Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert
- Born: December 8, 1942
- Died: September 11, 2020
8

0
points
Lee "Scratch" Perry

A Jamaican record producer and singer noted for his innovative studio techniques and production style. Perry was a pioneer in the 1970s development of dub music with his early adoption of remixing and studio effects to create new instrumental or vocal versions of existing reggae tracks.
- Full Name: Rainford Hugh Perry
- Born: March 20, 1936
- Died: August 29, 2021
9

0
points
Damian Marley

The youngest son of reggae singer Bob Marley, Damian Marley has carved out his own path in music, blending reggae with elements of hip hop. Known for the hit "Welcome to Jamrock".
- Full Name: Damian Robert Nesta Marley
- Born: July 21, 1978
In other topics
10

0
points
Sean Paul

A Jamaican rapper, singer, and record producer who is credited with popularizing reggae and dancehall music internationally. Known for hits like "Get Busy", "Temperature", and "Gimme the Light".
- Full Name: Sean Paul Ryan Francis Henriques
- Born: January 9, 1973
In other topics

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous reggae artist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or reggae artist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1603 views
102 votes
10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each reggae artist once every 24 hours. The rank of each reggae artist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More about the Most Famous Reggae Artist

Rank #1 for the most famous reggae artist: Bob Marley (Source)

Reggae music has roots in Jamaica, a small island in the Caribbean. It emerged in the late 1960s, blending earlier styles like ska and rocksteady. Reggae quickly became a voice for the oppressed, addressing social issues and promoting peace and love.

The genre's sound is distinct. It features a steady beat, offbeat rhythms, and bass lines that are both deep and melodic. The guitar often plays short, sharp chords on the offbeat, giving reggae its unique "skank" sound. Drums and percussion also play a crucial role, adding to the rhythm's complexity.

Reggae lyrics often focus on themes of struggle, resistance, and hope. They reflect the hardships faced by many in Jamaican society. The music also draws heavily from Rastafarian beliefs, which emphasize unity, spirituality, and connection to African roots. These themes resonate with listeners worldwide, making reggae a global phenomenon.

The most famous reggae artist brought the genre to international fame. This artist's music transcended borders, reaching audiences far beyond Jamaica. The artist's voice, both powerful and soulful, conveyed messages of love, peace, and social justice. This artist's charisma and stage presence captivated fans, creating a lasting legacy.

Albums from this artist became bestsellers, with hits that remain popular today. The songs often featured catchy melodies, memorable lyrics, and intricate instrumentation. Each album showcased the artist's growth, both musically and personally. Collaborations with other musicians added diverse elements to the music, enriching the reggae sound.

The artist's influence extended beyond music. This artist became a cultural icon, representing the spirit of reggae and its message. The artist's image, often associated with Rastafarian symbols, became synonymous with the genre. Fans admired the artist's commitment to social causes and humanitarian efforts.

Reggae's impact on other music genres is significant. It influenced rock, hip-hop, and even pop music. Many artists from different backgrounds incorporated reggae elements into their work. This cross-genre influence helped reggae gain a broader audience and ensured its lasting presence in the music world.

Reggae festivals around the world celebrate this genre and its most famous artist. These events draw crowds who come to enjoy the music, dance, and connect with others. They also serve as a platform for new reggae artists to showcase their talent and keep the genre alive.

The legacy of the most famous reggae artist lives on through music, culture, and the continued relevance of reggae. This artist's contributions to music and society remain influential, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans. Reggae's message of love, peace, and unity continues to resonate, proving that this genre and its most famous artist will never be forgotten.