Author:Lloyd Bradley
The first major account of the history of reggae, black music journalist Lloyd Bradley describes its origins and development in Jamaica, from ska to rock-steady to dub and then to reggae itself, a local music which conquered the world. There are many extraordinary stories about characters like Prince Buster, King Tubby and Bob Marley. But this is more than a book of music history: it relates the story of reggae to the whole history of Jamaica, from colonial island to troubled independence, and Jamaicans, from Kingston to London.
A rare book: a genuinely frank and self-revealing account of an actor's nightmare made real. Comic and even touching
—— Sir Richard EyreThe tale is breathless... works up a gallop
—— ObserverCaptivating...full of knowledge...suffused with Parisian sensations...he can choose words that make us feel and hear the instruments he plays...when you close it you feel you have been on holiday
—— Sunday TimesCharming...a cool, autumnal breeze of a book...written out of love
—— Guardian