GROUNDATION formed in 1998 when Stafford started a roots reggae/jazz fusion group with fellow students at the Jazz Performance program at Sonoma State University. Stafford’s interest and knowledge of the reggae genre led to him developing and offering a course he taught at Sonoma State called “The History of Reggae Music.” Reggae legends like Joseph Hill of Culture and historical icons like Abba Melchezadek (Haile Selassie’s private secretary) amongst others came and shared their personal experiences with the classes.
GROUNDATION’s first 2 albums, Young Tree and Each One Teach One, established their unique roots sound while also commencing collaborations with foundational reggae artists. Each One Teach One features the vocalist Marcia Higgs and the Nyabinghi drumming master Ras Michael
GROUNDATION has performed in over 35 countries on 5 continents. They have had a number of personnel changes over the years, but with Harrison Stafford at the helm, GROUNDATION continues to bring reggae into new worlds. Their last studio album, The Next Generation (2018) opens with a full jazz big band (featuring 12 horn players). This album won Reggae.fr's “Best Roots Reggae Album of 2018,” This award was voted on by over 16,000 media members, musicians, producers and fans.