Rocksteady was a short-lived but highly influential musical genre that bridge the gap between Ska and Reggae. It emerged in the mid-1960s when a particularly hot summer in Jamaica made the fast-paced Ska too exhausting to dance to. Musicians slowed down the tempo, creating a more relaxed feel. Rocksteady shifted the focus from the brass section to the electric bass and vocals. The bass lines became more melodic and syncopated, often dropping the first beat of the bar (the 'one-drop' rhythm). This genre saw the rise of 'vocal groups' like The Paragons and Alton Ellis, emphasizing soul-influenced harmonies. Although it only lasted about two years, Rocksteady laid the rhythmic and social foundation for Reggae, which would soon take the 'one-drop' beat and add social and spiritual themes.