In 1964, local politician and record label owner Edward Seaga organised a showcase of Jamaican music to perform at the New York World’s Fair. Seaga, who would later become Jamaica’s Prime Minister, also hosted this show at the Sombrero Club in Kingston, one of a handful of clubs where the pioneers of ska and rocksteady made their name. Luckily for us, the BBC were there to film it. Listen to the earliest recorded live performances of future stars Jimmy Cliff, Prince Buster and The Maytals.

SIDE ONE

 

1.   JAMAICAN SKA  - Byron Lee & The Dragonaires

2.   SAMMY DEAD-O  - Eric ‘Monty’ Morris

3.   ONE EYED JACKS  - Jimmy Cliff

4.   WASH WASH  - Prince Buster

5.   TREAT ME BAD  - The Maytals

6.   SHE WILL NEVER LET ME DOWN  - The Maytals

7.   MARIE, PLEASE SAVE A PLACE FOR ME  - The Charmers

8.   ROUGH´N´TOUGH  - Stranger Cole

SIDE TWO (18:30)

 

1.    HOW TO DO THE SKA - Byron Lee & The Dragonaires

2.    TWO ROADS BEFORE ME - Roy & Yvonne

3.    I DON´T KNOW - The Blues Busters

4.    SAMMY DEAD-O - Byron Lee & The Dragonaires

5.    KING OF KINGS - Jimmy Cliff

6.    JAMAICAN SKA (REPRISE) - Byron Lee & The Dragonaires

BONUS TRACK

7.    THE ISRAELITES* - Desmond Dekker & The Aces