THE SOUND SYSTEM: the foundation of Jamaican music economy.
The writer of this paper seeks to identify why sound systems are viewed as the foundation of the Jamaican music economy. The information is a hundred per cent authentic as it was extracted from both primary data sources(interviews etc.) and secondary data sources(literature, reports etc.).
Sound systems are essentially large, mobile discotheques playing at dances, house parties and nightclubs; were born out of economic necessity. Jamaicans had a passion for music, however, resulting from the poor economic conditions which existed, few among the poorer classes could afford any stereo system. Sound systems provided music for eager Jamaicans who were unable to afford personal music and access it at their desire. Temporary migration from Jamaica to southern U.S. in the late 1940s stemmed the demand for sound systems as returning migrants introduced R&B to Jamaica. Clement "Coxsone" Dod, often said to have invented the sound system concept saw the demand and bought his equipment(Coxsone Downbeat) on his first trip, others quickly followed suite.
Sound systems unintentionally created a Jamaican music industry. American music began changing from R&B to rock an" roll which did not appeal to Jamaicans. The source of "hip", new R&B had practically "dried up". As a result sound system owners became record producers in an attempt to make music that would appeal to Jamaican masses. Owners drove the recording business with their need to have the hottest records as the sound systems with the best records drew the largest crowds. At first, producers tried earnestly to imitate the R&B style, however, a very strong indigenous element could be heard. Features of Jamaicans culture; Rastafarian drumming, Pocomania beat, Gospel had a great impact on the R&B producers were trying to duplicate and influenced the new sound people began to recognize thus the creation of the first Jamaican music type.
