Three Jamaicans on the list of Rolling Stone

Three Jamaican artists Ernie Ranglin, Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore and Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith were named amongst the 250 greatest guitarists of all time by the leading International Music Magazine, Rolling Stone.

Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore ranked 91st, Ernie Ranglin received the 179th position and Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith was placed 181st in the magazine’s ranking.

In one of their latest publications, the leading music magazine Rolling Stone acknowledged Stephen Coore as a master guitarist. He is one of the foundational members of the reggae band called The Third World.

The magazine stated that Stephen attained such impressive heights that his searing solos are being compared to those of the most renowned rock guitar gods.

Rolling Stone also asked readers to glance at Coore’s string work in the 1982 hit by Third World. His work on ‘Try Jah Love’ personifies why he is considered one of the best guitarists. Due to his exceptional talent, he is also compared with Carlos Santana.

Carlos Santana is a well-renowned American guitarist known for his rock band Santana.

Speaking on Ernie Ranglin, the magazine stated, it’s a simple equation: No, Ernest Ranglin, no reggae. Ranglin invented the rhythm-guitar pattern of playing on the upbeat, which paved the way for rocksteady and then reggae in the early 1960s, due to which he became the chief architect of Jamaican ska. 

He played the first international ska hit, Millie Small’s 1964 smash “My Boy Lollipop”. Also, he came up with the classic riff on Toots and the Matyals seminal 54-46 was my number.

Earl “Chinna” Smith is described as the most recorded guitarist of the classic reggae era. He added his blend of music to many artist’s works. Those artists include Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer, Sugar Minott, Jacob Miller, Black Uhuru, Mighty Diamonds, Augustus Pablo, Gregory Isaacs, and Freddie McGregor. 

Earl “Chinna” Smith has greatly influenced Jamaican artists for generations to come. He was also known for coming up with guitar artists for the songs, namely, Marley’s Rat Race and “Cassandra” by Dennis Brown.

Jimi Hendrix, Chuck Berry, and Jimmy Page received the first, second and third positions in the Rolling Stone list.

It is a matter of great pride for Jamaica and a motivation for aspiring artists who want to learn and excel in this field.