Alton Ellis

If you want to learn about rock steady, start with Alton Ellis. The man was in the room when it was created (accidentally, by keyboardist Jackie Mittoo), and he became its iconic singer. "Rock Steady" is the primer, but "Dance Crasher," "Girl, I've Got a Date" and "Willow Tree" make for good supplemental listening. A golden voice, in the right place at the right time.