Jackie Mittoo: Reggae Magic Unleashed in 2025
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Jackie Mittoo, a pivotal figure in the world of reggae music, has once again graced us with an inventive compilation in his new album, “Reggae Magic”. The collection is a balanced fusion of some great hits and elusive tracks from the late 60s to the early 70s – a time which portrays Mittoo as a trailblazer in his musical endeavours. Striking a chord with fans from different genres like Motown, Stax and the then-emerging rocksteady, Mittoo’s album showcases his organ-heavy reggae that has its roots in Kingston, Jamaica, paying homage to his predecessors like Jimmy Smith and Booker T and The MGs.
With iconic reggae group The Skatalites parting ways in 1965, Mittoo embarked on a solo odyssey, proving himself as a versatile artiste with several studio albums to his name. His journey through the esteemed Studio One is strewn with accomplishments: a writer, an arranger, a musician. His prowess over the keyboard earns him a coveted spot in the heart of Studio One’s history. Moreover, his contributions as a founding member of The Skatalites, where he was a teen prodigy at 16, are widely recognized. Post the group’s disbandment, Mittoo took the helm of three promising groups at Studio One namely, The Soul Brothers, The Soul Vendors and Sound Dimension.
The era between 1965 and 1968 was enriched with Mittoo’s creations, which stood the test of time and were base to thousands of Jamaican hit songs over decades. His iconic works have a whole new life breathed into them through the creation of three significant styles in the 1970s – Dub, Deejay and Dancehall. A worthwhile note is that Mittoo’s original tracks went on to become the backbone of classic Studio One dub albums in the early 70s. These tracks became the springboard for deejays like Dillinger, Dennis Alcapone and Prince Jazzbo, who started creating new songs with Deejay overlays.
Mittoo’s talent had begun to shape a new era in Jamaican music: Dancehall. This new wave saw the rise of artists like Freddie McGregor, Johnny Osbourne and Sugar Minott, and they, in turn, remoulded Mittoo’s original instrumentals to create fresh melodies. As dancehall became a sensation, it witnessed rival producers revisiting these timeless rhythms and making them their own. Thus, many songs, whether as instrumental hits or as tracks by artists like The Soul Brothers, can trace their roots back to Mittoo’s genius. This modern reinterpretation of his legacy proved his profound influence on Jamaican music.
Mittoo’s magic extends beyond Jamaica, influencing artists globally such as The Clash and Lily Allen. Infamous tracks like “Melody Maker”, “Full Range”, and “Ghetto Organ” find their place in this album, along with rare pieces such as The Sound Dimension’s “Soul Stew” and “Walk Don’t Run”.
Born Donat Roy Mittoo in Jamaica, his journey went from being a young piano prodigy to creating a significant impact on global music. After relocating to Toronto, Canada, in the mid-1970s, he continued enriching the reggae scene through collaborations with artists like Earth, Roots and Water, and Esso Jaxxon. Notably, in the 1980s, his partnership with Sugar Minott resulted in some magnificent musical creations. Mittoo’s unquestionable talent continued to inspire many, right until the end of his journey in 1990.
While we remember Jackie Mittoo, his contemporaries like Bob Marley, Freddie McGregor and Marcia Griffiths deserve mention due to their close association and influence on each other’s music. In his mighty footsteps, future generation artists like Rihanna, Damian Marley, and Beyonce have drawn inspiration, carrying his spirit forward in their unique ways. Jackie Mittoo’s “Reggae Magic” transcends time, blurring continental and generational barriers, and it houses the power to play on, reliving his legend through every beat, proving that his magic is, indeed, eternal.
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