Legends of Ska - Cool & Copasetic

Legends Of Ska: Cool & Copasetic will celebrate the music, culture and enthusiasm of Jamaica as a newly independent nation 50 years ago. The film will chronologically explore the history of the times and the tiny island’s musical impact worldwide. In the spirit of the Buena Vista Social Club and Standing In The Shadows Of Motown, this documentary film will focus primarily on the years 1962-1966 by interspersing vintage and contemporary concert footage, authentic tourist 8mm home movies, photographs, newsreels, artifacts and rare interviews, all of which will illuminate the facts and myths surrounding ska. As the precursor to reggae, ska was Jamaica’s first popular musical export, which sprang from the dance halls of Kingston and spawned a worldwide dance craze. Film goers will come away with an in-depth understanding of the irrepressible, seductive sounds of ska and have their hearts lifted high by the extraordinary stories from these unique entertainers. Some viewers will discover a new musical art form, while others will reminisce about a music that first touched their lives long ago. We want audiences to experience the human connection by understanding the talents of men and women who not only struggled in daily island life, but also yearned for acceptance and respect from their British and American peers. Originally overshadowed by Beatlemania and rock n’ roll, ska never received the recognition it rightly deserves as a lasting, influential musical genre. This film will change that perception. Without Ska, there is no Reggae.