Reggae and Ska Pioneer Ernest Ranglin Still Jamming at 83

Ernest Ranglin made his first guitar out of a sardine can and wire. He went on to become a pioneer of Jamaican music, helping to invent ska and reggae. Today, at the age of 83, Ranglin mixes those two sounds with jazz. NPR Music calls Ranglin a “walking, guitar-picking musical history book.” The guitarist joins us in studio to perform live and discuss his prolific career. His new album “Bless Up” features 11 new compositions blending ska, swing, jazz, rock and world music.

Ernest Ranglin's NPR Tiny Desk concert:

• More: Listen to “Bless Up” (Avila Street Records)
• More: A Ska and Jazz Innovator Bridges Continents and Decades (NPR)
• More: Ernest Ranglin Continues to Innovate at 82 (The World)