Jamaican rhythms have had a profound influence on Western mainstream music and culture. Through the sheer force of its personality, reggae music has conquered the world and rocked successive generations - all on its own terms.

Published to mark the 40th anniversary of Jamaican independence, and accompanying a major new series for BBC2, Reggae: The Story of Jamaican Music bears witness to the durability of the reggae movement over the last 40 years, tracking the constant human and cultural traffic between Kingston, London and the US. Author, Lloyd Bradley, highlights the social and political history of a newly independent people and their displaced brothers and sisters in Britain and America, through the expression of its greatest art form, reggae music.

Through newly recorded interviews Bradley tells the stories of the major figures in the development of reggae, from Prince Buster and Coxsone Dodd, through to Bob Marley and more recently, to Sly, Robbie and Shabba Ranks. He also pays tribute to the producers, deejays and fans, revealing that above all, it is the indomitable Jamaican spirit that has driven the development of the music, from ska to reggae and the dancehall music of today.

The vibrancy of this spirit is also expressed in over 50 stunning new photographs by Dennis Morris, featuring reggae legends, the streets of Jamaica and the raw energy of the dancehall. With 60 images drawn from 40 years of Jamaican music, including many from Dennis' extensive archive, Reggae: The Story of Jamaican Music is a true celebration of an inspiring country and its music.

Lloyd Bradley is the author of the highly acclaimed Bass Culture: When Reggae Was King. A seasoned music journalist, he contributes to many magazines and newspapers, including Q, Mojo, the Guardian and the Daily Telegraph. Renowned photographer, Dennis Morris, has been covering the music scene since the 1970s. His previous books include Bob Marley: A Rebel Life and Sex Pistols, a photographic record.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2002/07_july/books_reggae_story_of_jamaican_music.shtml