The Cats (reggae band)

The Cats were a Jamaican reggae band formed in the early 1960s. They are primarily known as a highly influential backing band, providing instrumental support for a wide range of prominent reggae and ska artists throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Their extensive studio work made them a cornerstone of the Jamaican music scene.

While the exact members varied over time, key members included notable instrumentalists who later achieved individual recognition in their own right. The band's sound was characterized by a tight rhythm section, complemented by horns and keyboard arrangements typical of the era.

The Cats contributed to numerous recordings that helped shape the sound of early reggae and ska, playing a vital role in the development and popularization of these genres. Although they may not be as widely known as some of the frontmen they backed, their musical contribution is considered essential to understanding the history of Jamaican music. Their output consists primarily of backing tracks, with relatively few recordings released under their own name. Determining the exact discography of The Cats is complicated due to their extensive session work and variations in record label attribution.