I once read an article that started out with something to this effect, "If history had been kind, Laurel Aitken's name would be as synonymous with Jamaican music as Bob Marley's name is..." I wish I could find that article again, but it's true you know...

Laurel Aitken played a great role in the development of Jamaican music...he was one of Jamaica's first recorded artist, he was the first recorded artist on Chris Blackwell's Island Records (Island, which would later help make Bob Marley the most popular reggae artist in the world), and when he relocated to the UK, he played a big part in popularizing Jamaican music over there, and helped many musicians over there get their start.

So this episode is dedicated to the memory of the Godfather of Ska, the High Priest of Reggae, the Boss Skinhead, Laurel Aitken, who left our world one year ago.

Laurel Aitken & The Potato 5 - Sally Brown
Laurel Aitken & The Skatalites - In the Mood for Ska
Laurel Aitken & The Soulmen - Last Night
Laurel Aitken - Skinhead Train
Laurel Aitken & Ska Flames - Judgement Day
Laurel Aitken - Jamboree
Laurel Aitken - Dance to the Music
Laurel Aitken & The Skatalites - I Love You
Laurel Aitken - Apollo 12
Laurel Aitken - Rude Boy Dream
Laurel Aitken & Court Jester's Crew - Rude Boy is Back in Town
Laurel Aitken & Freetown - Boogie in my Bones (LIVE)
Laurel Aitken - Jericho
Laurel Aitken - Jesse James
Laurel Aitken - Woman is Sweeter
Laurel Aitken & House of Rhythm - Mad About You (LIVE)
Laurel Aitken & Ska Flames - Dance with Me
Laurel Aitken & Court Jester's Crew - Get Ready, Rocksteady!
Laurel Aitken & The Potato 5 - Rocksteady Party
Laurel Aitken & The Skarlatines - Perfidia

P.S. For more information on the Rocksteady Lounge, which happens this Friday, July 21st, please check out www.myspace.com/rocksteadylounge