The Jamaican reggae guitarist and arranger who played on many early ska and rocksteady records was Ernest Ranglin.
Ranglin began as a largely self-taught guitarist and became a highly sought-after Jamaican session player. He worked with major producers and labels including Clement “Coxsone” Dodd’s Studio One, Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle and Island Records. His rhythmic guitar helped shape the offbeat sound of ska, the Jamaican style that preceded rocksteady and reggae.
Ranglin also arranged and played guitar on Millie Small’s “My Boy Lollipop,” the 1964 international hit that brought ska to a worldwide pop audience. He contributed to recordings by artists including Prince Buster, Theophilus Beckford, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and the Melodians. His work extended beyond guitar: he served as a music director, arranger and A&R man.
A common mix-up is Lynn Taitt, another important guitarist and arranger linked to early Jamaican popular music. Taitt was born in Trinidad and Tobago, whereas Ranglin was born in Jamaica. Ranglin later continued blending Jamaican rhythms with jazz in his solo career.