Rolling Stone, the famend worldwide music journal, just lately unveiled its record of the 250 biggest guitarists of all time, and it isn’t only a roll name of rock legends.
The record celebrates the worldwide affect of guitar virtuosos, with three Jamaican maestros, Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, Ernie Ranglin, and Earl “Chinna” Smith, who’ve left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore: Reggae’s Guitar Maestro (#91)
Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, a foundational member of the enduring reggae band Third World, claims the 91st spot on Rolling Stone’s record.
The journal describes his artistry as a game-changer for reggae guitar. Coore’s searing solos haven’t solely scaled new heights but in addition drawn comparisons to rock guitar legends.
His lead guitar prowess, at occasions, echoes the virtuosity of none aside from Carlos Santana. For a style of his genius, listeners are urged to take a look at his string work on Third World’s 1982 hit, “Strive Jah Love.”
Ernie Ranglin: The Ska Pioneer (#179)

Ernie Ranglin, a pivotal determine within the Jamaican music scene, secures the 179th place on Rolling Stone’s illustrious record.
The journal highlights Ranglin’s indispensable position within the evolution of reggae, noting that with out him, reggae would possibly by no means have been. Ranglin’s legacy traces again to the early Sixties when he pioneered the rhythm-guitar sample of enjoying on the upbeat, laying the muse for rocksteady and reggae.
His guitar work on Millie Small’s “My Boy Lollipop” and the enduring riff on Toots and the Maytals’ “54-46 Was My Quantity” underscore his profound affect.
Earl “Chinna” Smith: The Reggae Session Legend (#181)

Earl “Chinna” Smith, a real luminary of the traditional reggae period, takes the 181st spot on Rolling Stone’s record.
Smith’s spectacular discography contains collaborations with reggae titans like Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, and Bunny Wailer, to call a number of.
As a member of Bunny Lee’s Aggrovators and later the Soul Syndicate, Smith’s tight rhythms and ingenious riffs set the stage for a technology of Jamaican guitarists.
His knack for crafting memorable guitar intros, as heard in Marley’s “Rat Race” and Dennis Brown’s “Cassandra,” additional cements his legendary standing.
A Caribbean contact
Past Jamaica, the Caribbean Diaspora boasts different notable guitarists who’ve made their mark.
Edilio Paredes, hailing from the Dominican Republic, ranks 244th on the record.
In the meantime, Trinidadian Lynn Taitt, positioned at 204, left an indelible affect on Jamaica’s rocksteady sound, together with his guitar work gracing early classics like Hopeton Lewis’ “Take It Simple” and Derrick Morgan’s “Harder Than Powerful.”
Rolling Stone’s high three guitar greats
Whereas Coore, Ranglin, and Smith indulge in well-deserved recognition, Rolling Stone’s record of the best guitarists is topped by Jimi Hendrix, with Chuck Berry and Jimmy Web page following intently behind.
These legendary names function a testomony to the enduring energy of the guitar in shaping the musical panorama.
Rolling Stone’s celebration of those Caribbean guitar legends underscores the worldwide attain of their artistry and the enduring affect of Caribbean music on the world stage.