Rocksteady was most popular in the late 1960's with groups like Toots and the Maytals and Alton Ellis. The original recording of the "Get Ready, Rock Steady" by Alton Ellis is an exceptional hit of the ages that defines this style.
It was during the recording of "Get Ready, Rock Steady" that the bassline was slowed from the ska riff. This slowing of the bassline converted the popular ska into a new style all its own. The vocals and rhythms of rocksteady is really begins the change from ska to roots.
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