Often hailed as the “Godfather of Ska,” Laurel Aitken was a pioneering force in Jamaican music whose career helped shape the foundations of ska, rocksteady, and reggae. Born in Cuba and raised in Jamaica, he began recording in the 1950s, blending Caribbean rhythms with R&B influences. His energetic performances and distinctive voice made him a beloved figure in both Jamaica and the U.K., where he became a cornerstone of the ska revival. Aitken’s legacy endures as a vital influence on generations of ska and reggae artists worldwide.