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The Beat
Part of the English Midlands 2 Tone scene of the early 1980s, The Beat stood
alongside the likes of The Specials, Madness and The Selecter in bringing reggae
and ska rhythms into UK pop music. Originally formed as a punky new wave group
by front man David Wakeling and guitarist Andy Cox, their sound changed when
Ranking Roger started toasting (a Jamaican style of rapping) along to the band
during an early gig. Jamaican saxophonist Lionel "Saxa" Martin - who by then was
in his 50s and had previously played with Prince Buster and Desmond Dekker -
completed the line-up, and the Birm...
