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The stories behind 10 classic reggae tracks

Singers and bands such as Bob Marley and The Specials have featured regularly in The Life of a Song series

Bob Marley on stage in London in 1979 © Michael Ochs Archives

Redemption Song — Bob Marley’s anthem carries liberating force
Though it stands out as an acoustic track, the song fits into the consciousness and faith that ran through his music
A Message to You Rudy — how The Specials breathed new life into a 1967 track
A minor hit for Dandy, the song was given punky attitude by the 2-Tone band — and featured a trombonist’s reprise performance
Bam Bam — said to be the most sampled reggae song of all time
Sister Nancy’s 1982 track has reappeared in the music of Kanye West, Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Pressure Drop — Toots and the Maytals’ track brought them worldwide acclaim
Though it never troubled the charts, their 1970 song was widely covered after it featured in a hit film
Rivers of Babylon — Boney M’s hit has a history stretching back thousands of years
UB40’s Red Red Wine — band squeezed every last drop from the song
The reggae hit started as a maudlin country ballad about drinking to forget

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