Toots Hibbert

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2 Feb 2024

Toots Hibbert

Toots Hibbert, born Frederick Nathaniel Hibbert on December 8, 1942, and passed away on September 11, 2020, was a renowned Jamaican singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist for the influential reggae and ska band Toots and the Maytals. Throughout his career spanning six decades, Hibbert played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of reggae music and is considered a reggae pioneer.

One of his significant contributions to the genre was his 1968 song "Do the Reggay," which is widely acknowledged as the track that inspired the term "reggae" itself. Hibbert's distinctive style and powerful voice became emblematic of the reggae movement, earning him recognition both nationally and internationally.

In 2005, Hibbert's band, Toots and the Maytals, received the prestigious Grammy Award for their album "True Love," further solidifying his impact on the global music scene.
Toots Hibbert's legacy extends far beyond his music, as he remains a symbol of Jamaica's rich cultural heritage and a revered figure in the history of reggae music. His influence continues to resonate with artists and fans worldwide, making him an enduring icon in the realm of Caribbean music.

Toots Hibbert, born on December 8, 1942, in May Pen, Jamaica, was the youngest among his siblings. Raised in a devout Seventh-day Adventist household, both of his parents were strict preachers, instilling in him a deep appreciation for gospel music from an early age. However, tragedy struck when both of his parents passed away while he was still young.

At the age of 11, Toots found himself orphaned and went to live with his brother John in the vibrant Trenchtown neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica. It was during this time that he became immersed in the local music scene. While working at a barbershop in Trenchtown, Toots crossed paths with future bandmates Raleigh Gordon and Jerry Matthias, setting the stage for his remarkable journey in music.

Toots Hibbert, a multi-instrumentalist, founded Toots and the Maytals in 1961. He possessed the ability to play every instrument featured in his band and drew inspiration from renowned artists like Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, and James Brown. The term "Maytals" in the band's name is believed to reference the Rastafari concept of "doing the right thing," although some accounts suggest it could be linked to Hibbert's hometown of May Pen.

In their early recordings, such as "Hallelujah" (1963), Hibbert's Christian upbringing strongly influenced the music. However, he also explored Rastafarian themes, evident in tracks like "Six And Seven Books of Moses" (1963), which delved into the folk magic of obeah and references to Biblical grimoires.

During the mid-1960s, the Maytals rose to prominence in Jamaica, collaborating with producers like Coxsone Dodd, Prince Buster, Byron Lee, Ronnie Nasralla, and Leslie Kong. Their success included winning Jamaica's National Popular Song Contest three times with Hibbert-penned songs: "Bam Bam" (1966), "Sweet and Dandy" (1969), and "Pomps & Pride" (1972).

In 1966, Hibbert was sentenced to 18 months in prison for marijuana possession, an experience that inspired one of his most famous songs, "54-46 That's My Number." Moreover, he was among the first artists to use the term "reggae" on a record, as seen in the 1968 track "Do the Reggay."

In Matthew Sherman's "The Rise of Reggae and the Influence of Toots and the Maytals," he highlights the pivotal role of Toots and the Maytals in the evolution of reggae music. Sherman describes how in the winter of 1968, the rocksteady rhythm transitioned into a faster, more vibrant sound, marking the birth of reggae. Toots Hibbert and his band introduced this new sound with their groundbreaking track "Do the Reggay," which celebrated the emergence of a new dance craze.

During the period from 1969 to 1971, Toots and the Maytals enjoyed tremendous success under the guidance of producer Leslie Kong. With a talented group of musicians known as the Beverley's All-Stars and the Maytals' exceptional harmonizing abilities, Toots Hibbert explored a diverse range of subjects through his music. Their collaborations resulted in memorable and influential songs that resonated with audiences.

Sherman's account underscores Toots and the Maytals' significant contributions to the reggae genre, emphasizing their unique sound, infectious rhythms, and enduring impact on the music scene during this transformative period.

Toots and the Maytals' album "Funky Kingston," released and distributed by Chris Blackwell's Island Records, marked a significant milestone in their career. Critic Lester Bangs hailed it as "perfection," describing it as the most exciting and diversified collection of reggae tunes by a single artist up to that point. Blackwell himself expressed a deep commitment to the band, emphasizing his longstanding relationship with Toots and praising him as one of the purest human beings he had ever met.

In 1970, Toots and the Maytals achieved their first chart success overseas with "Monkey Man," which reached No. 47 on the British charts. Additionally, Toots Hibbert made a notable appearance in the influential Jamaican film "The Harder They Come," performing the band's hit song "Sweet and Dandy." The film's soundtrack featured another Maytals hit, "Pressure Drop," further solidifying their impact on Jamaican music and culture.

One of their memorable performances was broadcast live on KMET-FM from the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles on October 1, 1975. This broadcast was later remastered and released as an album titled "Sailin' On" by Klondike Records, preserving the energy and vibrancy of their live show for audiences to enjoy.