In Kingston, he met Henry "Raleigh" Gordon and Nathaniel "Jerry" McCarthy, forming a group whose early recordings were attributed to "The Flames" and, possibly, "The Vikings". Having renamed the group the Maytals, the vocal trio recorded their first album, "Never Grow Old - presenting the Maytals", for producer Clement "Coxsone" Dodd at Studio One in 1962-63. With musical backing from Dodd's house band, the legendary Skatalites, the Maytals' close-harmony gospel singing ensured instant success for the 1964 release, overshadowing Dodd's other up-and-coming gospel trio, The Wailers. The original album augmented by studio out-takes from the Studio One sessions was re-released by Heartbeat/Rounder Records in 1997, and is essential listening for Maytals and Skatalites fans.
After staying at Studio One for about two years, the group moved on to do sessions for Prince Buster (released in 1974) before recording their second album produced by Byron Lee in 1965. However, the band's musical career was rudely interrupted in late 1966 when Hibbert was arrested and imprisoned on drugs possession charges.
Following Hibbert's release from jail towards the end of 1967, the band officially changed their name to Toots and the Maytals and began working with Chinese-Jamaican producer Leslie Kong, a collaboration which produced three classic albums and a string of hits throughout the late sixties and early seventies - "Do the Reggay", a 1968 single widely credited with coining the word reggae, "Pressure Drop", "54-46 was my number" and "Monkey Man", the group's first international hit in 1970. The group was featured in one of reggae's greatest breakthrough events - The Harder They Come, the 1972 film and soundtrack starring Jimmy Cliff.
Following Kong's death in 1971, the group continued to record with Kong's former sound engineer, Warwick Lyn; produced by Lyn and Chris Blackwell of Island Records, the group released three best-selling albums, and enjoyed international hits with "Funky Kingston" in 1973 and "Reggae Got Soul" in 1976.
The compositions of Toots & the Maytals (also known as Toots and the Maytals) would be given a second airing in 1978-80 during the reggae-punk and ska revival period in the UK, when the Specials included "Monkey Man" on their 1979 debut album and the Clash produced their version of "Pressure Drop", with other Maytals' covers being recorded by Sublime. Having toured throughout the world for many years, Toots and the Maytals disbanded in the early 1980s, but reformed in the early 90s to continue touring and recording successfully.
The band recently won the 2005 Grammy award for reggae for the album True Love, an album consisting of re-recorded versions of their classics alongside popular and legendary musicians such as Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards, as well as popular artists today such as No Doubt, Ben Harper, The Roots, and Shaggy.
They also contributed to the album 'Radiodread' (a tribute to Radiohead's OK Computer).
Having A Party
Toots & The Maytals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody sing party party
Everybody go and party party
Everyone of you party party
I will party party
Do you want to go and party party
listen
Toots & The Maytals's song "Having A Party" is a fun, upbeat song that encourages people to let loose and enjoy themselves. The lyrics are simple yet effective, as they repeat the phrase "party party" throughout the entire song. This repetition helps create a sense of excitement and anticipation, as listeners are encouraged to join in and have a good time together.
The song celebrates the joy of being alive and the power of music to bring people together. It's a reminder that dancing and singing can be therapeutic, especially when times are tough. The lyrics also suggest that partying can be a form of rebellion against authority, as it allows people to let go of their inhibitions and enjoy themselves freely.
Overall, "Having A Party" is a classic song that captures the essence of Caribbean music and culture. It's a song that brings people together and celebrates the power of music to uplift and inspire.
Line by Line Meaning
Talk about a party party
Let's discuss and focus on having a lively celebration
Everybody sing party party
All participants are encouraged to vocalize their excitement for the event
Everybody go and party party
Everyone should engage in merriment and festivities
Everyone of you party party
Every single individual present should actively participate in revelry
I will party party
The singer declares their intention to enjoy the festivities
Do you want to go and party party
The singer invites others to join in on the celebration
listen
Attention is requested to begin the proceedings
Lyrics © Abkco Music, Inc.
Written by: Sam Cooke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind