Rocksteady is the name given to an era in the development of the music of Jamaica between 1966 and 1968 (see 1966 in music, 1968 in music), and to the style of music which prevailed in that era.
A result of the slowing of the ska tempo, and a precursor to reggae, rocksteady saw the formation of many of Jamaica's vocal harmony groups such as The Gaylads, Toots & the Maytals and The Paragons. The musical style developed into Reggae as bass patterns became more complex, percussion more prominent, and brass sections were replaced the by rhythm guitar.
The term comes from the Alton Ellis recording of the same name.