As the rocksteady genre approaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, pioneering duo Keith and Tex stand among the few remaining ambassadors keeping this foundational Jamaican music style alive. The pair, who achieved substantial success with late 1960s hits, continue to actively tour and create new music, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the genre that bridged ska and reggae.
Keith Rowe, based in Tampa, Florida, maintains a radio program dedicated to the rocksteady era (1966-1968), while simultaneously recording and performing with his musical partner. Their latest project, ‘Gun Life,’ produced by Spain’s Roberto Sanchez, represents their ongoing commitment to the genre that produced their classic singles ‘Tonight,’ ‘Don’t Look Back,’ and ‘Stop That Train.’
Rowe emphasizes the timeless quality of rocksteady in an interview with Observer Online: ‘The rocksteady era produced countless memorable songs whose rhythms have been reinterpreted repeatedly through the decades, affirming their profound impact on Jamaican music. As reggae’s essential blueprint, rocksteady remains a cornerstone of our musical identity.’
Music historians typically credit Hopeton Lewis’s ‘Take It Easy,’ recorded in late 1966 at Kingston’s Federal Records with Lynn Taitt and The Jets, as the inaugural rocksteady recording. This slower evolution of ska launched the careers of legendary artists including Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, Ken Boothe, Desmond Dekker, The Wailers, The Heptones, and numerous other iconic singers and harmony groups.
The genre experienced significant resurgence during the 1990s through concert series like Heineken Startime, which revitalized careers for many original artists. Keith and Tex have maintained consistent European touring schedules since reuniting nearly three decades ago, with 2024 marking their twelfth consecutive year performing for dedicated audiences abroad where vintage Jamaican music commands substantial followings.
When asked about his personal rocksteady favorites, Rowe highlighted Alton Ellis’s ‘Willow Tree,’ The Techniques’ ‘Queen Majesty,’ Delroy Wilson’s ‘I’m Still Waiting,’ Bob Andy’s ‘Too Experienced,’ and Hopeton Lewis’s ‘Sounds And Pressure’ as definitive examples of the genre’s enduring artistry.