Roland Alphonso (1931–1998) was a pioneering Jamaican tenor saxophonist and founding member of The Skatalites, one of the most influential bands in the history of ska and reggae. Renowned for his dynamic tone, jazz-inflected improvisations, and soulful phrasing, Alphonso helped shape the sound that bridged Jamaican mento, American R&B, and early reggae. His work with Studio One and legendary producers like Coxsone Dodd defined a generation of Caribbean music, earning him enduring respect as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s musical heritage.