Formed in the mid-1990s in Ithaca, New York, John Brown's Body (JBB) was among a select few U.S. reggae bands to embark on national tours.

JBB's distinctive style has become influential within the U.S. reggae scene, with many artists in the genre acknowledging John Brown's Body as a significant influence.

Subsequently, the band garnered positive reviews and performed at the Bob Marley Day Festival in Miami, Florida, alongside Lauryn Hill and other artists.

In 2005, JBB entered into a partnership with the New York City-based record label Easy Star and released their fifth studio album, Pressure Points.

"[citation needed] Pressure Points received critical acclaim, with a review from the Village Voice describing JBB as "reverent as well as revolutionary."

"[citation needed] Shortly before Kinsella's departure, Martin composed three tracks— "Give Yourself Over," "Speak of the Devil," and "Be at Peace"— collectively referred to as the 'rooster' tracks.

As a result, he penned "The Gold," a lively tune infused with drum and bass elements, featuring a guitar line reminiscent of an Ennio Morricone Spaghetti Western soundtrack.

[citation needed] In early 2008, Martin underwent surgery to remove the polyps on his vocal cords and commenced voice training to learn techniques to reduce strain on his throat.

[citation needed] According to All Music Guide, "Elliot Martin has taken firmer control of the group and now it [JBB] is now a completely different organism; although the John Brown's Body sound is still distinctly reggae-ish, it's denser, swirlier, sometimes downright funky and loaded with more melodic hooks.

It showcased remixes of JBB's Amplify album created by artists from various locations worldwide, including Dubmatix from Toronto, WrongTom from London, and their friend Kasongo from Gym Class Heroes.

Following adjustments to the horn section, JBB welcomed trombonist Scott Flynn, saxophonist Drew Sayers, and trumpet player Sam Dechenne.

[citation needed] In December 2009, JBB recorded a cover of "Bankrobber" by The Clash for a charity album titled Shatter the Hotel: The Songs of Joe Strummer in Dub.

[citation needed] In 2010, JBB participated in performances on Jam Cruise, which took place off the coast of Jamaica and Grand Cayman Island.

[citation needed] In April and May 2010, the group embarked on their inaugural tours in France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Canada, where they performed at various festivals and headlined clubs.

[5] In 2024, John Brown’s Body announced a reunion involving original members Kevin Kinsella (vocals), Tommy Benedetti (drums), and Lee Hamilton (saxophone), alongside longstanding members Nate Edgar (bass), Jon Pentonzio (keys), and TJ Schaper (trombone), as well as newcomer Van Gordon Martin (guitar).

This reunion follows the group's performances in early 2023, during which original lead singer Kevin Kinsella rejoined the band to uphold its legacy.

The reunion marks a continuation of their influential presence in the American Reggae scene, promising both the revival of classic hits and the introduction of new music.

[6] Elliot Martin mentioned being influenced by various artists while writing Amplify, including Sigur Rós, Batch, Toumani Diabate, Sly and Robbie, Radiohead, Talib Kweli, Aswad, Funkadelic, King Tubby, Roots Manuva, Masaru Sato, and Midnite.

Steel Pulse, Aswad, Reggae Regular, Misty in Roots, Mikey Dread, Dennis Bovell and Linton Kwesi Johnson were doing ground-breaking stuff.