Do the Reggay

Frederick “Toots” Hibbert has a powerful voice — gruff, soulful, and steeped in gospel. That voice helped create a sound that remains as fresh and energetic today as it was in the early Sixties. The music of Toots and the Maytals has been covered by a who’s who of influential...

By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik

August 28, 2008

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Frederick “Toots” Hibbert has a powerful voice — gruff, soulful, and steeped in gospel. That voice helped create a sound that remains as fresh and energetic today as it was in the early Sixties. The music of Toots and the Maytals has been covered by a who’s who of influential musicians, including The Clash, the Rolling Stones, Buju Banton, Sublime, and Amy Winehouse. Toots recorded the original versions of “Bam Bam,” “Monkey Man,” “Pressure Drop,” and “54-46 That's My Number.” And he is gets credit for coming up with the name of Jamaica’s most famous musical export: He coined the term reggae with his 1968 hit "Do the Reggay." Now that you know who he is, believe us when we tell you that only a fool would pass up the chance to drive to Fort Lauderdale to see Toots and the Maytals live. You’re not a fool, are you?

Toots is in his midsixties, and the dude still puts on an insanely energetic live show, keeping young and staying light on his feet by bouncing to the ska riddim. Wear your dancing shoes Sunday night at Culture Room. Tickets cost $23, and a buck from every ticket sold will benefit The Toots Foundation, for underprivileged Jamaican children.
Sun., Aug. 31, 2008

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