The population of the Caribbean region is approximately twenty-five million, about two-thirds the population of the State of California. Yet from this diverse region - blended by a mixture of cultures and music - Spanish, French, Dutch, English, African, American -  flows an exotic array of music which for the greater part of the Twentieth Century, has made indelible impressions upon the popular and dance music of the Western World.

    The island of Cuba introduced Rhumba, Danzon and Cha-cha-cha. Merengue and Compas came from the Martinique and Haiti.  The island of Trinidad and Tobago contributed the Calypso and Soca music  the island of Dominica, the Beguine and from St. Maarten came Zouk music.

Carlos Malcolm awarded by the Prime Minister of Jamaica

Jamaica Prime Minister's Gala 2000 Recipient

Carlos Malcolm in the Jamaica Hall of Fame

    Thus far, the most dynamic musical impression upon popular and dance of Western Western world has emanated from the island of Jamaica which produced the international phenomenon of Reggae music, introduced to the world by Bob Marley. International sales of  Marley’s music continue almost undiminished some twenty years after his untimely death at a young age. Time Magazine has voted Bob Marley the artist of the 20th Century and Compact Disc "Legend", the recording of the Century.

    The rich heritage of Jamaican music from which Reggae music evolved Mento (Jamaican folk) music, Ska music and Rock Steady music will be represented on this site.