Carter Van Pelt

Carter Van Pelt is an American music journalist, DJ, and reggae historian whose influential work has contributed significantly to the appreciation and understanding of reggae and Caribbean music in the United States and beyond. With deep roots in radio broadcasting, Van Pelt has hosted and produced revered reggae programs, most notably the long-running “Eastern Standard Time” show on WKCR-FM in New York City, known for its eclectic selections and insightful commentary. His passion for Jamaican music extends into his roles as a selector at festivals worldwide and as the founder of "Coney Island Reggae On The Boardwalk," a beloved annual event celebrating reggae culture by the sea.

Van Pelt’s writing has appeared in several prominent publications, where his well-researched articles spotlight reggae’s rich history and its global impact. His dedication to the preservation and dissemination of reggae music has made him a respected figure in the genre, both as a curator of sound and as a bridge between artists and audiences across generations.