Ska originated in Jamaica in the 1960s by fusing calypso, jazz, and R&B. It is characterized by upbeat tempos played by horns, guitars, bass, and drums. Ska came in three waves - the first originating in Jamaica, the second known as "Two Tone" emerging in England, and the third wave creating in America and popularized by bands like Sublime and No Doubt. Key to ska's development were figures like Coxsone Dodd who helped establish the unique Jamaican ska sound and cultural movements like rude boys and skinheads who embraced the music.