In the 1960s, Frederick “Toots” Hibbert didn’t just give the emerging genre of reggae its most soulful voice – he also gave it a name. A simple slip of the tongue while rehearsing with his group, the Maytals, transformed “streggae” – Jamaican patois for someone in ragged clothes – into the now-famous term “reggae.” When the Maytals released “Do the Reggay” in 1968, they aimed to name a fleeting dance craze, but the word stuck, encapsulating the vibrant sound they and the Wailers were shaping. “I never knew it was gonna be so prevalent, or so good,” Toots reflects at the age of 77, taking pride in being the one who put the ‘R’ in the music.
Today, Toots resides in the yellow-walled studio he affectionately calls the Reggae Centre, nestled within his pink stucco compound in the Red Hills area of Kingston. At home, he enjoys listening to his latest album, Got To Be Tough, his first in a decade. The record brims with joy, blending reggae with R&B, funk, and soul, showcasing Toots's impressive vocal range. He considers the album's message particularly timely: “I’m giving a warning and telling you that you gotta be tough,” he explains, connecting it to the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. He describes his music not as political, but as a story that conveys truth.
Toots's journey began on December 8, 1942, in May Pen, a southern Jamaican town that inspired the name of his group, the Maytals. Raised by strict Seventh-day Adventist preachers, Toots sang gospel in the church choir. Seeking adventure, he left for Kingston as a teenager, where he formed the Maytals, a ska harmony trio, alongside Jerry Matthius and Raleigh Gordon. Their first album dropped in 1962, coinciding with Jamaica’s independence, and four years later, their song “Bam Bam” clinched the first Jamaican Independence Festival Popular Song Competition.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Frederick “Toots” Hibbert |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1942 |
| Place of Birth | May Pen, Jamaica |
| Occupation | Musician, Singer, Songwriter |
| Genres | Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady |
| Notable Works | “Do the Reggay,” “54-46 Was My Number,” “Got To Be Tough” |
The Rise of Toots and the Maytals
After their initial success, the Maytals faced challenges, including a wrongful arrest that led to a year in prison for Toots. This experience inspired one of reggae's first international hits, “54-46 Was My Number.” Toots’s journey through the highs and lows of fame showcases his resilience and creativity, turning obstacles into art. Notably, he embraces cannabis culture today, advocating for its benefits and discussing ways to consume it that don’t involve smoking.
The Cultural Impact of Reggae
Toots’s music has not only shaped reggae but has also influenced various genres, including punk rock in Britain. Bands like The Clash and The Specials drew inspiration from reggae, creating a fusion that resonated widely. Toots’s perspective on cultural appropriation is refreshingly positive; he perceives the blending of styles as an honor rather than a theft. “I was excited!” he exclaims, reflecting on the collaborative spirit of music across cultures.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
As he continues to create, Toots dreams of returning to live performances, where he connects with audiences of all backgrounds. “When you come to my show, it’s black people and white people, young people, and big people like myself,” he describes. This unity in diversity is central to his music's message, highlighting the power of music to transcend barriers.
Got To Be Tough is out now via Trojan Jamaica/BMG
