Ernest Ranglin (born 1932) is an important Jamaican musician.
As a child, Ranglin played ukelele, then guitar in his teen years. Charlie Christian was an early influence. Ranglin played on many classic recordings, with Jimmy Cliff, Monty Alexander, Prince Buster The Skatalites and others. Ranglin toured extensively with the Eric Deans Orchestra, one of the top bands in the Caribbean.
In 1958, Chris Blackwell recorded a Ranglin single; it was the first Island Records release. Later recordings, in the late 1950's and early 1960s are often regarded as important in the early development of ska. In 1964, Ranglin, with Coxson Dodd and singer Millie recorded "My Boy Lollipop ," the first Jamaican song to achieve international success.
Ranglin has continued recording, often blending jazz with reggae. In 1997,Ranglin was reunited with the skatalites, for the album "Ball of Fire"
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