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

Roots Rock Reggae: Inside The Jamaican Music Scene

1977

Music Documentary

Synopsis

'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.

Credits

Director

Jeremy Marre

Cast

Bob Marley as Self

Dennis Brown as Self

Jacob Miller as Self

Jimmy Cliff as Self

Joe Gibbs as Self

Joe Higgs as Self

Lee Perry as Self

Michael Manley as Self