Jackie Opel (1937–1970) was a pioneering Barbadian singer celebrated as the “Father of Spouge,” a genre he helped create by blending calypso, ska, and soul. Known for his powerful, gospel-infused voice and electrifying stage presence, Opel played a key role in the early ska movement as a member of the Skatalites and through recordings with Studio One in Jamaica. His innovative fusion of Caribbean rhythms and soulful vocals left an enduring mark on both Barbadian and Jamaican music, influencing generations of artists across the region.