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About
The Kingstonians were a vibrant Jamaican vocal trio formed in 1966, made up of Jackie Bernard, his brother Footy Bernard, and Lloyd Kerr. Known for their contributions to the genres of reggae, ska, rocksteady, and early reggae, they made a significant impact in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Collaborating with producer Derrick Harriott, they climbed the Jamaican charts with hits like "Singer Man" and "Sufferer," the latter of which became the title track of their well-regarded 1970 album. This record is celebrated for capturing the transition from the rocksteady sound to the nascent reggae movement.
How to Sound Like The Kingstonians
The Kingstonians’ sound is characterized by its smooth vocal harmonies set against infectious rhythmic backdrops. Their music often features lively upstroke guitar patterns typical of ska and rocksteady, which can be emulated using clean guitar tones with minimal effects, allowing the crisp rhythm to shine through. The bass lines are melodic yet grounded, driving the groove with a distinct warmth that can be reproduced with flatwound strings and a vintage-style bass amp. Drums in their tracks are generally tight and snappy, emphasizing the snare and hi-hats to maintain a danceable beat. To achieve the essence of their sound, musicians should focus on creating a balanced mix, where vocals, rhythm guitars, and bass coexist harmoniously, evoking the vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere of late 1960s Jamaican music.
