Known as "the Godfather of Ska," Laurel Aitken was Jamaica's first real recording star. He was a pioneer in many other respects as well: he was one of the first artists ever to release a ska record, the first to work at promoting his music in the U.K., and one of the first to record for the seminal Island label ... Cutting his teeth on the sort of jump blues and boogie shuffles popular during the early days of American R&B, Aitken recorded numerous hits for a variety of labels over the years, enjoying his heyday during the '60s. His continued presence in the U.K. made him an elder statesman to the Two Tone ska revival movement of the punk era, and he continued to tour even into the new millennium. (AllMusic) Significant. File under: Rocksteady Ska Masters
Discography: Albums Singles 1958-67 1968-Present
In the music library: Soul Jazz Records Presents Rastafari: The Dreads Enter Babylon 1955-83: Haile Selassie
The Story Of Jamaican Music 1958-1967: Boogie In My Bones
The Treasure Isle Story: Judgement Day (with Ken Richards & His Harmonisers)
Trojan Presents: Mento & R&B: Little Sheila; Boogie In My Bones
Links: Wikipedia Facebook AllMusic Discogs 45cat Trojan Records Laurel Aitken Was 'Godfather Of Ska'
Obituary: The Independent