Roots Rock Reggae: Inside The Jamaican Music Scene (1977)

Plot Summary

'Roots Rock Reggae' depicts an unforgettable moment in Jamaica's history when music defined the island's struggles and immortalized its heroes. Director Jeremy Marre films Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Lee 'Scratch' Perry record in his legendary Black Ark studio with The Upsetters. Jimmy Cliff rehearses with Sly and Robbie, while Inner Circle's historic live gig is recorded on the violent Kingston streets. The legendary Abyssinians harmonize their haunting Rastafarian songs; Joe Higgs (formerly Bob Marley's teacher) plays and talks; majestic toaster U Roy raps alongside The Mighty Diamonds, and Third World record in a Kingston studio. There is also early archive footage of Toots and the Maytals, and Haile Selessie's royal visit to Jamaica while police and thieves battle it out on the streets, and the ghettos erupt in violence. 1977: An extraordinary year for Reggae music.

Full Cast & Characters

Jimmy Cliff

Self

Joe Gibbs

Self

Dennis Brown

Self

Michael Manley

Self

Jacob Miller

Self

Lee "Scratch" Perry

Self

U-Roy

Self

Bob Marley

Self

Joe Higgs

Self

Toots Hibbert

Self (Archival Footage)

Director & Crew

Where to Watch Roots Rock Reggae: Inside The Jamaican Music Scene Online

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