Photo - Torin Washington

Original songs and distinctive versions from the deep archives of Roots Reggae 

About us

Ron Stackman, Jim Schwarz and Lou LaVilla began performing together in 1972. 

The following year they created Bahama Mama, one of the first American bands to embrace Reggae music. When the group split up in 1980, Stackman, Schwarz and Lavilla remained together and formed the Majestics.

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Originally a trio with Ron on Hammond B-3, clavinet and guitar, Jim on bass and Lou on drums, the Majestics steadily developed a fan base in upstate New York, eventually catching the attention of the legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry. In 1982, the group backed Perry when he opened for the Clash during their historic run at New York City's Bonds International Casino, then traveled with the music icon to Kingston, Jamaica to record his "Mystic Miracle Star" LP.  The Majestics later filled out their sound, enlisting guitarist Rudy Valentino (with whom they recorded their 1984 EP, "Future Now") and Trinidadian percussionist, Fitzroy 'Brother' James. 
   
The band performed extensively throughout the eastern United States during the 1980s, opening for Burning Spear on two tours and appearing with a veritable who's who of Reggae music including Peter Tosh, Toots and the Maytals, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Leroy Sibbles, Yellowman, Third World, The Gladiators, The  Wailers, Eek-A-Mouse, Dillinger, The Heptones, Jimmy Cliff, Ziggy Marley, Black Uhuru, Mutaburuka and others.

Now, 40+ years after the band's formation, the Majestics' original trio is back along with guitarist Kevin Hart and Vince Ercolamento on saxophones.

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Original roots music along with versions of classic Reggae gems. Roots. Rock. Reggae.

Majestic Events

Majestic Videos

Majestic Merchandise

Majestic Photos

Want to see 50 years of band history and old photos? 

Here are photos from our first post-pandemic (part 1) show, opening for Third World at the Party In The Park, August 2021.  Thanks to photographers.....

     Marty Gira

          Torin Washington

               Aaron Winters

Here's a bunch of photos from our last pre-pandemic show WAY back in February 2020.  Thanks to photographers.......

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Aaron Winters & Jack Garner

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Assorted pictures of us and our pals