1. A Jamaican ska and rocksteady band formed in the 1960s, known for pioneering reggae music and social commentary.
Usage: proper noun; often capitalized as 'The Skatalites' or 'The Bluebeats'; historical music group
2. Members of the Bluebeats band or musicians who perform in a similar ska and rocksteady style.
Usage: plural form; informal

Examples

• The Bluebeats were influential in developing the sound of early Jamaican popular music.
• Many bluebeats recordings from the 1960s are still celebrated by reggae enthusiasts today.
• The bluebeats' energetic performances helped establish ska as a major musical genre.
• Fans of vintage reggae often study the bluebeats' innovative instrumental arrangements.
• The bluebeats' legacy continues to inspire modern musicians in Jamaica and beyond.