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Toots and the Maytals

From Alfawiki
The Maytals
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1962 in Kingston, Jamaica
FounderFrederick "Toots" Hibbert, Henry "Raleigh" Gordon, Nathaniel "Jerry" Mathias
Headquarters
Kingston
,
Jamaica
ProductsMusic albums, singles

The Maytals, previously known as Toots and the Maytals from 1972 until 2020, are a seminal Jamaican band recognized as one of the most impactful vocal ensembles within the ska and rocksteady genres. Established in the early 1960s, they were instrumental in bringing reggae music to global prominence.

The group's lead singer, Toots Hibbert, who passed away in 2020, is hailed as a trailblazer in reggae, often likened to Bob Marley in influence. His expressive vocal style drew parallels to Otis Redding, earning him a position on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Singers. After Hibbert’s passing, the Maytals confirmed their intention to remain active as a band.

Their 1968 track "Do the Reggay" was the first recorded use of the word "reggae", effectively naming and popularizing the genre internationally. The Oxford English Dictionary attributes the origin of "Reggae" to Toots and the Maytals. Island Records founder Chris Blackwell praised them as "sensational, raw, and dynamic," emphasizing their distinctive contribution to music history.

Origins and initial achievements

Frederick "Toots" Hibbert, who led the group, was born in 1942 in May Pen, Clarendon, Jamaica. His early years involved singing gospel music in church settings before relocating to Kingston during the late 1950s.

The Maytals

In 1962, Hibbert met Henry "Raleigh" Gordon and Nathaniel "Jerry" Mathias in Kingston, forming The Maytals as a vocal trio. Early recordings released in the UK were mistakenly credited by Island Records to The Flames and The Vikings. The band’s instrumental lineup included musicians such as Jackie Jackson, Hux Brown, Rad Bryan, and Paul Douglas. By 1972, the ensemble adopted the name Toots and the Maytals—"Toots" representing Hibbert and "the Maytals" referring to both instrumentalists and backing singers. According to a 2016 interview with Jackson, after signing with Chris Blackwell’s Island Records, this designation became official, coinciding with their touring debut in 1975.

The 1960s

The Maytals initially gained recognition recording under producer Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, where they were supported by Dodd’s house band, the Skatalites. Their gospel-inspired harmonies distinguished them from contemporaries at Studio One, including the Wailers. Following two years at Studio One, they recorded with producers Prince Buster and later Byron Lee in 1966. That same year marked their victory at the inaugural Jamaican Independence Festival Popular Song Competition with "Bam Bam," a song subsequently covered by artists such as Sister Nancy and Yellowman without proper royalties being paid to the Maytals.

Their progress was interrupted when Hibbert was incarcerated for eighteen months starting in late 1966 on marijuana-related charges; he later asserted his arrest was connected to assisting a friend financially. This experience inspired their hit track "54-46 That's My Number". Upon his release in 1967, they collaborated with Chinese Jamaican producer Leslie Kong, resulting in numerous successful singles throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. Among these was their 1968 release "Do the Reggay", which introduced and named the reggae genre.

Toots and the Maytals are credited with some of reggae’s most iconic songs including "Pressure Drop", "Sweet and Dandy," and "54-46 That's My Number".

The 1970s

In 1970, the group achieved their first global success with the track "Monkey Man". By the following year, they had signed a deal with Chris Blackwell's Island Records, which reorganized the ensemble around Toots Hibbert as lead vocalist, supported by The Maytals Band. This reformation propelled them to become Jamaica's premier musical act and gain international acclaim. Blackwell initially targeted the UK market, where Jamaican music was already gaining traction. Albums released under Island Records appeared through its Dragon Records division. Island Records, guided by Blackwell, played a crucial role in popularizing reggae worldwide, promoting artists such as Toots and the Maytals, Lee Scratch Perry, and Sly and Robbie.

In 1972, the band secured their third victory at the Jamaican Independence Festival Popular Song Competition with "Pomp and Pride". That same year, they contributed two tracks to the soundtrack of The Harder They Come, a film that introduced Jamaican music to audiences in the United States; the band also made an on-screen appearance.

After Kong passed away in 1971, the group continued recording sessions with sound engineer Warrick Lyn. Producer Byron Lee rechristened them as Toots & the Maytals. Under Lyn's and Blackwell's production, they released three commercially successful albums, including internationally acclaimed records like Funky Kingston (1973) and Reggae Got Soul (1975). Music critic Lester Bangs praised Funky Kingston as "perfection" and described it as "the most exciting and diversified collection of reggae songs by a single artist released to date." Blackwell expressed deep admiration for Toots, calling him "one of the most genuine individuals I've encountered." To support these releases, the band toured alongside prominent acts such as the Who, Jackson Browne, the Eagles, and Linda Ronstadt.

In 1975, Toots and the Maytals co-headlined a show with Santana (band) at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom. Their live set at Los Angeles' The Roxy Theatre on 1 October 1975 was broadcast on KMET-FM; this performance was later remastered and issued as the Sailin' On album through Klondike Records.

Following Reggae Got Soul, they served as opening act for the Who during their North American tour spanning 1975–76.

Between 1978 and 1980, Toots and the Maytals experienced a resurgence in popularity amid the UK's reggae punk and ska revival. Groups like the Specials covered "Monkey Man" on their debut album, while the Clash recorded a version of "Pressure Drop." The band was also mentioned in Bob Marley & the Wailers' track "Punky Reggae Party": "The Wailers will be there, the Damned, the Jam, the Clash, the Maytals will be there, Dr. Feelgood too."

Guinness Book of World Records

On 29 September 1980, Toots & the Maytals undertook an ambitious project to record, manufacture, and distribute their album Toots Live within a single day in an effort to set a new Guinness Book of World Records benchmark. The live performance was captured on two-inch, 24-track analog tape and swiftly delivered to sound engineers. Concurrently, artwork for the record label was designed and printed with urgency. Master recordings, labels, and covers were rushed to Gedmel factory near Leicester, where pressing occurred rapidly before shipment to Coventry for distribution coinciding with the band's concert scheduled for the next day—successfully meeting their tight deadline. Unfortunately, due to Island Records failing to inform Guinness beforehand, this achievement was not officially recognized. Rob Bell from Island Records attributed this oversight to lack of prior notification. The official record for fastest album release was eventually awarded in 2008 to Vollgas Kompanie for completing a similar 24-hour album production.[1]

The band dissolved following their 1981 release Knockout. In 1982, their single "Beautiful Woman" reached number one on New Zealand's charts.[2]

Throughout the 1980s, Hibbert focused on developing his solo career in recording.

1990s

A revamped lineup of Maytals was formed in the early 1990s. In February 1990, the group made an appearance on VH1's New Visions World Beat, which was guest-hosted by Nile Rodgers. Throughout the mid-1990s, they continued to tour and record successfully, including performing twice at the renowned Reggae Sunsplash festival.

2000s

In 2004, Toots & the Maytals released the album True Love, featuring newly recorded versions of their classic hits alongside collaborations with artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Shaggy. The album received widespread critical praise from media outlets like NPR and Rolling Stone and secured the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

That same year, during his stint as guest host on Saturday Night Live, Donald Trump commended the band’s reggae sound for its calming qualities.

In 2006, Toots & the Maytals contributed a reggae/ska rendition of Radiohead’s "Let Down" to Radiodread, a tribute album reimagining Radiohead's OK Computer in reggae style. August 2007 saw the release of Light Your Light, which combined reworked classics with fresh material, earning a Grammy nomination in 2008 for best reggae album.

The band holds Jamaica’s record for achieving the highest number of number one hits, totaling thirty-one.

For Island Records' 50th anniversary in 2009, Toots & the Maytals were set to perform alongside Amy Winehouse at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire. After Winehouse withdrew, the group played a sold-out concert at Bush Hall instead.

2010s

In 2011, the documentary Reggae Got Soul: The Story of Toots and the Maytals, directed by George Scott and produced by Nick De Grunwald, was released and broadcast on BBC. The film explores the band's impact and features interviews with prominent musicians including Marcia Griffiths, Jimmy Cliff, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Ziggy Marley.

The live album Unplugged on Strawberry Hill (2012) brought Hibbert his fifth Grammy nomination.

In May 2013, during a performance in Richmond, Virginia, Hibbert sustained a head injury from a bottle thrown by an audience member, resulting in a concussion and requiring six staples. Despite Hibbert’s requests for leniency toward the assailant, a six-month prison sentence was imposed. The incident led to Hibbert experiencing anxiety, memory difficulties, and stage fright, prompting cancellations and a performance hiatus until 2016.

By 2015, Vogue acknowledged "54-46 Was My Number" as an essential roots reggae track and classified Toots & the Maytals among early "reggae royalty," alongside icons such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

After a three-year break, Toots & the Maytals resumed live performances in 2016, marking their comeback with a June show at The Observatory North Park in San Diego.

In 2017, they appeared at Coachella Fest, becoming only the second reggae-focused act to perform there following Chronixx. Their enduring influence on longevity in music careers has been noted by artists like Jamaican star Sean Paul.

At the 2017 Glastonbury Festival, their set was delayed due to scheduling conflicts but was rescheduled for a midnight slot. Later that year, they headlined the 35th anniversary edition of the WOMAD UK festival to critical acclaim.

In 2018, Toots & the Maytals embarked on a 50th anniversary tour spanning North America and the UK. On July 25th, they introduced their original track "Marley" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing it alongside their classic "Funky Kingston". They also appeared at Lockn' Festival with special guest musician Taj Mahal.

In July 2019, their song "Pressure Drop" was featured in an advertisement campaign for Coors Light by Coors Brewing Company.

2020s

Toots Hibbert, the lead vocalist of Toots and the Maytals, passed away at the age of 77 on 11 September 2020.

In the wake of Hibbert's passing, Paul Douglas and Jackie Jackson announced in November 2020 that the ensemble would carry on as a homage to his legacy.

At the 63rd Grammy Awards held on 14 March 2021, Toots and The Maytals received the award for Best Reggae Album for their release Got to Be Tough.

In July 2021, Hibbert’s family issued a cease and desist order to the band's remaining members, barring them from using the name "The Maytals," which resulted in the cancellation of a tribute performance scheduled in London. By December 2021, after five decades, an out-of-court agreement was reached between the band and Hibbert's estate regarding ownership and rights to the band’s name and trademark. Musicians involved with the group from 1972 through 2022 are now identified as "former members of The Maytals Band."

As of May 2023, Nathaniel “Jerry Maytal” Mathias was recognized as the last surviving original member of The Maytals. After spending 43 years in the United States, he returned to Jamaica. His status as the sole living founding member was further acknowledged during his 90th birthday celebration in May 2025.

Radcliffe "Dougie" Bryan, who served as guitarist for nearly half a century, died in Florida on 16 October 2025 at age 78.

Current members

  • Paul Douglas – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1969–1981, 1990–2013, 2016–present)
  • Jackie Jackson – bass guitar, backing vocals (1969–1981, 1990–2013, 2016–present)
  • Carl Harvey – guitar, backing vocals (1980–1981, 1990–2013, 2016–present)
  • Marie "Twiggi" Gitten – backing vocals (1999–2013, 2016–present)
  • Stephen Stewart – keyboards, backing vocals (2002–2013, 2016–present)
  • Charles Farquharson – keyboards (1995–2000, 2003–2013, 2016–present)

Accolades

  • Grammy nomination for Toots Live! in 1981
  • Grammy nod for Best Reggae Album with Toots in Memphis in 1989
  • Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album awarded to Skafather in 1998
  • Winner of Best Reggae Album Grammy for True Love in 2004
  • Toots Hibbert named among Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers in 2010
  • Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album for Reggae Got Soul: Unplugged On Strawberry Hill in 2013
  • Holder of Jamaica’s record for most number one hits with a total of 31 chart-toppers
  • Recipient of Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for Got To Be Tough in 2020

Museums and expositions

The group was prominently featured in the exhibition Exposition Jamaica Jamaica!, which ran from April through August 2017 at the Philharmonie de Paris, showcasing their significant influence on reggae music’s evolution.

Saturday Night Live parody

In Season 41, Episode 4 of Saturday Night Live, hosted by Donald Trump, comedians Kenan Thompson and Jay Pharoah impersonated Toots and The Maytals during a sketch where Trump introduced musical guest Sia. Additionally, Toots and The Maytals were themselves musical guests on the inaugural episode hosted by Trump on 3 April 2004.

See also

External links

  1. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AMG
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