Ska was developed in Jamaica in the early 1960s and laid the corner stone for rocksteady and reggae. This book provides an in-depth analysis of ska and its emergence pursuing an interdisciplinary approach. The first part of this book deals with the musicological analysis of ska and its progenitors drawing from comprehensive transcriptions of representative recordings. In order to sufficiently understand the process of ska's shaping, the second part focuses on historic, economic, political, cultural, and music-sociological aspects before and during the development of ska. Covered are questions like; Why did ska emerge during this time in particular? Are there connections between the specific social situation and the development of ska? What powers influenced the rise and dissemination of the new music style? What functions did ska have for the Jamaican people? The present analysis reveals new insights on ska's origins and stresses the interrelations between ska and its social environment. This book addresses researchers in the field of Caribbean music as well as all those interested in the emergence of the music style that strongly contributed to shape Jamaica's identity.