Lyrics | Artists | Ernest Ranglin

Ernest Ranglin

A crucial figure in the development of ska music, guitarist Ernest Ranglin was also respected for his prowess in jazz and reggae. Born on June 19, 1932 in Manchester, Jamaica, Ranglin was playing with local bands when he met jazz pianist Monty Alexander, who helped set him on his trajectory. He developed a rhythmic guitar style that helped set the template for ska, and he became a fixture at Studio One, the label and studio seen as Jamaica’s analogue to Motown. Along the way he played with the giants of reggae and ska, including Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and the Skatalites. H...