A once-in-a-lifetime project decade in the making, The Mighty Rootsmen (@themightyrootsmen) is a celebration of reggae’s golden era, a powerful collective of legendary artists reinterpreting rock and pop classics through the unique lens of roots reggae. Produced by producer Ralph Sall (Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Jane’s Addiction, George Clinton), this extraordinary group unites the sounds of reggae legends Toots Hibbert, Gregory Isaacs, Mykal Rose, Luciano, and the incomparable rhythm section Sly & Robbie, alongside an all-star lineup of Jamaica’s finest musicians. Not too long ago, The Mighty Rootsmen unveiled their soulful reggae/dub reinterpretation of Tom Petty’s classic anthem “I Won’t Back Down,” featuring Mike Campbell (guitarist for Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and co-writer of many of the band’s hits).
The Mighty Rootsmen – “I Won’t Back Down” (Visualizer)
Arriving just after the original track’s 35th anniversary on the 24th of April, this inspired cover marks the perfect moment to launch a project that reimagines timeless songs through the unifying spirit of reggae. “I Won’t Back Down” acts as the powerful first single from The Mighty Rootsmen’s soon-to-be-legendary debut album, “The Mighty Rootsmen,” set for release on the 25th of July, 2025.
“I Won’t Back Down” honors reggae’s roots while pushing creative boundaries, resulting in a unique and vibrant sound. This single encapsulates the narrative throughout the record and showcases just some of the rich history of Jamaican reggae legends on the record.
Toots Hibbert (Toots and The Maytals) delivers a warm, heartfelt, and rich vocal performance supported by the impeccable Gregory Issacs, Mykal Rose, Luciano, and the grooves of Sly and Robbie. This unique cover, originally composed by Tom Petty, takes you on a soulful journey, and through its superb production and warm rhythms, it’s impossible to resist the groove.
The Mighty Rootsmen & Toots and The Maytals – “The Mighty Rootsmen” Album
Originally conceived in 2009 and now finally complete, the upcoming album “The Mighty Rootsmen” is both a musical celebration and a heartfelt tribute to several of its legendary contributors who have since passed, including Toots Hibbert, Gregory Isaacs, Robbie Shakespeare, Mikey Chung, and Sticky Thompson. Their final performances grace this album with a sense of legacy, joy, and enduring spirit.
Recorded in Jamaica’s famed Anchor Studios, this monumental collaboration breathes new life into iconic tracks from artists like Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, Steve Miller Band, and Cat Stevens, all reimagined with rich reggae beats, uplifting energy, and deep respect for the originals.
In his own words, producer Ralph Sall says, “My intention was to try to do something that hadn’t been done in reggae before by putting these giants of the genre together to make a record that leaves you with good feelings. It’s really unfortunate that we lost some singers and players over the last few years, but I think this record stands as a good final statement; it’s a record made for people to enjoy.”
With soulful harmonies, iconic voices, and timeless rhythms, The Mighty Rootsmen delivers a rare and unforgettable musical experience, a testament to reggae’s power to uplift, unite, and transcend generations. Sall concludes, “I always knew that this wasn’t just about making music, but creating something that could connect people across time and space, whether they were young fans of reggae or old.”
We recommend adding The Mighty Rootsmen’s “I Won’t Back Down” song to your favorite reggae/dub playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let us know how you feel. Your feedback helps us bring you more of what you love to discover. As always, thanks for reading another great article on BongMinesEntertainment.com, your go-to source for new music and entertainment news. Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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