10 Ultimate Ska Anthems
2. Toots And The Maytals - "54-46 Was My Number"
Originally released in 1968 as “54-46 (That’s My Number)”, Frederick “Toots” Hibbert penned this song about the eighteen months he spent in prison for possession of marijuana (a charge he has always denied).
Believing he was set up by a rival who wanted to hinder his success in the music industry, Toots’ tale of Jamaica’s corrupt criminal justice system allowed the Maytals to achieve international success with the more soulful, dance-ready beat of the 1970 version of the song.
Written from a prisoner’s perspective, the song leads in with shouts of “Stick it up mister/Hear what I say, sir”, drawing the listener in, before the beat drops into a steady rhythm, punctuated by soulful vocals. “54-46” marks a notable move to a slower, more bass driven music that came to be known as reggae (the term taken from the Maytal’s very own song “Do the Reggay”), and is a frequent addition to ska and reggae compilation albums.
Though the band’s line-up saw several changes over the years, The Maytals achieved a record 31 number one songs in Jamaica, and ultimately helped popularise Jamaican music around the world, becoming one of scene’s biggest and best-selling acts. Having just released a new album, The Maytals were set to embark on a worldwide tour in 2021, before Toots Hibbert sadly died in September 2020 due to complications from COVID-19.