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Roland Alphonso
In a very real sense, Roland Alphonso was one of the architects of ska and reggae music. By his 17th birthday, Alphonso was performing professionally in several of the orchestras that played Jamaica's tourist hotels. These gigs introduced him to many of the island's finest musicians, many of which he'd eventually work with on some of the most influential records ever made.

By the early-'50s, Alphonso began to appear on recorded work, becoming very well known in the jazz and Calypso scenes. Eventually, he'd work on the first "boogie shuffle" recordings, leading directly into the earliest ska recordings for producers like Arthur "Duke" Reid and Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. By 1963, he was an integral member of the house band at the legendary Studio One, a band that would eventually come to be known as the Skatalites. Alphonso was also the top arranger at Studio One, and acted as a coach for all the hit artists of the day, from Lee Perry to Toots & the Maytals to Bob Marley & the Wailers.

The original Skatalites would remain together as an entity for only a little less than 2 years, but in that time, were the hottest band on the island. By the time the Skatalites called it quits in 1965, Alphonso was already performing and recording with the Soul Brothers (later the Soul Vendors), and would work on some of the biggest rocksteady and reggae hits, including backing the likes of Ken Boothe and Alton Ellis.

In 1980, the Jamaican government recognized his "service in the field of Culture, particularly music," and awarded him the title of "Officer of the Order of Distinction." The Skatalites reformed to play the Reggae Sunsplash in 1983, and continued to perform and record well into '90s, releasing the Grammy-nominated albums Hi Bop Ska (1994) and Greetings From Skamania (1996). Alphonso also found time for solo work and guest appearances with the likes of Jump With Joey and the Stubborn All-Stars. Despite failing health, he continued to tour rigorously with the Skatalites until November 2, 1998. That night, during the Skatalites' set in L.A., Alphonso collapsed onstage. Doctors determined he'd suffered a burst blood vessel in his head. The prognosis for recovery was very good, but a few weeks later, he burst another vessel, slipped into a coma, and passed on. He is still remembered and mourned by a legion of fans and fellow musicians, who will be forever appreciative of his massive contributions to the music world.


Roland Alphonso	Jah Shakey (AKA Jack Steady)	LiquidAudio	Reggae
This 1968 rocksteady instrumental (featuring a rare alto sax solo!) should give you a good indication of why Roland Alphonso was a legend in Jamaican music.