Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers
| Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers | |
|---|---|
 left to right: Sharon, Cedella, Stephen, and Ziggy |
|
| Background information | |
| Also known as | The Melody Makers |
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Years active | 1979–2002 |
| Labels | Tuff Gong, Rita Marley Music, Ghetto Youths United, EMI America, EMI, Virgin, Elektra, Rounder |
| Associated acts | Damian Marley, Erica Newell |
| Website | TheMelodyMakers.com |
| Past members | |
| Ziggy Marley Stephen Marley Sharon Marley Cedella Marley Erica Newell |
|
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers was a Jamaican Reggae family group whose line-up comprised lead singer Ziggy Marley alongside Sharon Marley, Cedella Marley, and Stephen Marley. Formed in 1979 in Brooklyn, New York, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name The Melody Makers.
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers was launched into mainstream recognition following the released of their best-selling fourth album, Conscious Party, which contained the hit single "Tomorrow People" and the number-one single "Tumblin' Down".[1] Their fifth album, One Bright Day, which contains themes optimism and self-empowerment without sounding preachy or arrogant. In 2000, they toured worldwide for the release of their live DVD, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers Live (2001).
[edit] Recording history
[edit] 1979-1983: Early beginnings and Children Playing in the Streets
Originally formed at the request of their father, Bob Marley, it was only after his death that the Melody Makers came into their own.[2] Their vision, however, is similar to their father's desire to bring people together through music and the Melody Makers' pop-reggae sound has certainly done that. The band is comprised by four of Bob Marley's ten children, vocalist/guitarist Ziggy, vocalist/guitarist/drummer Stephen, vocalist Cedella, and vocalist Sharon. As the eldest, Ziggy is viewed by the press as the group's leader, with Stephen often sharing in the songwriting and lead vocals.[2]
The four siblings initially came together as a musical unit in 1979 to record "Children Playing in the Streets".[2] Bob Marley had composed the song four years earlier for his children and wanted to share this gift with children around the world. All royalties from the single were pledged to the United Nations, to aid its efforts during the International Year of the Child. Ziggy and Stephen performed together at their father's funeral on May 21, 1981, dancing alongside the I-Threes and the Wailers, during their brief homage to the great artist. Later that year, The Melody Makers released their second single, "What a Plot," which, like their debut, appeared on their late father's own Tuff Gong label.[2] In 1983, the group performed at Reggae Sunsplash, a festival that Ziggy and Stephen were already veterans of, having appeared on-stage there back in 1979 during the Wailers' own set.
[edit] 1984-1987: Play the Game Right, name change and subsequent releases
In 1984, The Melody Makers began a recording session with English producer Steve Levine that released a single, "Lying in Bed". In 1985, the group released their first album, Play the Game Right.[2] Although accompanied by the Barrett brothers, who were the solid rhythm section for the Wailers, the group's record received little resemblance to their father's music.
In 1986, Hey World was released and credited to Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers.[2] This album laid the groundwork for the group's fast maturing sound. A phenomenal mix of upbeat pop and heavier roots, cemented by hip electro-production, it was evident that the Melody Makers were no longer in the thrall of their father's music, but had found their own voice. In support of the album, Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers embarked on their first tour, a veritable Tuff Gong roadshow with Nadine Sutherland and the I-Threes along as opening acts. The group was well received at the yearly Reggae Sunsplash in 1986 and 1987.[2]
[edit] 1988–1990: Conscious Party, career breakthrough and subsequent releases
In 1988, the band's popularity was at such a height that they were signed to the international major label Virgin Records.[2] Later that year, they went into the studio with Tina Weymouth and Chris Franz of Talking Heads to record their third album, Conscious Party. The album charted at #23 on the Billboard 200 and at #26 on the R&B Albums chart.[3] The album spawned the successful single "Tomorrow People", which charted at #16 on the Mainstream Rock chart and #39 on the Hot 100.[1] The second single "Tumblin' Down" was also well received charting at #1 on Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and at #28 on the Dance Music/Club Play Singles charts.[1] The album received Grammy award for "Best Reggae Album".
The Melody Makers' follow-up album "One Bright Day", released in 1989. The album charted at #26 on the Billboard 200 and at #43 on the R&B Albums chart.[3] The single "Look Who's Dancin'" received positive feedback and charted at #41 on Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and at #23 on the Dance Music/Club Play Singles charts.[1] The album also spawned the singles "Black My Story (Not History)", "One Bright Day", "Justice", and "When the Lights Gone Out". The album received Grammy award for "Best Reggae Album".
[edit] 1991-1992: Jahmekya
In 1991, the group released their sixth album, Jahmekya. Perversely, although it brought the Melody Makers their most glowing reviews, the record itself did not begin to equal the sales of their last albums, and their single, "Good Time", barely scraped into the bottom reaches of the charts. The single "Good Time" only charted #85 on Hot 100 charts.[1] The album charted at #3 on the Top World Music Albums and at #63 on the Billboard 200.[3] The album also spawned the singles "Rainbow Country", "Kozmic", and "Small People". The album received a Grammy nomination.
[edit] 1993-1997: Joy and Blues, Ghetto Youths United, leaving Virgin Records and subsequent releases
In 1993, the group released their seventh album "Joy and Blues". The album charted at #5 on the Top World Music Albums chart, #75 on the R&B Albums chart, #178 on the Billboard 200 chart, and #11 on the Top Reggae Albums chart.[3] Returning to their roots with a vengeance, and accompanied by former Wailers' bassist Aston Barrett, the album was their final one for Virgin.
In 1995, the group signed a record deal with Elektra and released "Free Like We Want 2 B" accompanied by the group's own recording label "Ghetto Youths United". The album charted at #170 on the Billboard 200 chart and #3 on the Top Reggae Albums chart.[3] The single "Power to Move Ya" charted #13 on the Dance Music/Club Play Singles.[1]
In early 1997, the group released second best-of album "The Best of (1988 - 1993)". Later that year, the group released ninth album "Fallen Is Babylon". The album only charted #3 on the Top Reggae Albums chart.[3] In 1998, the second single "Everyone Wants to Be" charted at #16 on the Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart. The album earned the group their third Grammy award.
[edit] 1999-2001: The Spirit of Music and final releases
In 1999, the group released their tenth studio album, "The Spirit of Music". The album peaked at #1 on the Top Reggae Albums chart.[3] The album spawned the singles "Higher Vibration", "Jah Will Be Done", and "One Good Spliff".
In 2000, the group released their live album "Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers Live, Vol. 1", which charted at #5 on the Top Reggae Albums chart.[3] In May 2001, the group released a concert DVD "Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers Live". The DVD was filmed in 2001 in Pompano Beach, Florida.
[edit] Disbandment and recent projects
In 2002, the group reunited to perform at the "One Love Tribute Concert". The concert was recorded and released in the same year and features other performances from Rita Marley, Julian Marley, Erykah Badu, and other artists.
In 2003, Ziggy released his first album Dragonfly. In the same year, Stephen and his brother Damian put together an album called Educated Fools under the group name of Marley Boyz. They recorded it on the labels "Ghetto Youths International" and "Tuff Gong International", collaborating with a number of other reggae artists including their brother Ky-Mani Marley.
Cedella currently lives in Miami, Florida, where she is the CEO of Tuff Gong International. She continues to tour with the Melody Makers internationally and perform on numerous TV shows. She has also developed a collection of customized women's clothing, named Catch A Fire, the title of one of her father's albums.
Sharon balances her prowess on stage with the Caribbean business of Ghetto Youth United, the Melody Makers support group and as curator of the Bob Marley Museum.
.jpg)
In 2006, Ziggy released his sophomore album "Love Is My Religion". The album earned Ziggy a Grammy award. In the following year, Stephen released his first album "Mind Control" in March 2007. In 2008, Ziggy released a live CD/DVD "Love Is My Religion Live". In 2009, Ziggy released his third album "Family Time". In the same year, Stephen joined Snoop Dogg and Slightly Stoopid on the Blazed and Confused 2009 Tour and released "Mind Control Acoustic".
In February 2011, Cedella announced she would design the kit for the Jamaican track and field team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, including world champion Usain Bolt, under an arrangement with Puma. In May 2011, Stephen released his sophomore album "Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life". In July 2011, Ziggy released his fourth album "Wild and Free". The album spawned the single "Forward to Love". Ziggy's "Wild and Free" album and Stephen's "Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life" both have received a 2012 Grammy nomination.[4]
[edit] Public image
Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers were often compared to their father's group Bob Marley and the Wailers, a Jamaican reggae group. Jo-Ann Greene of All Music Guide stated, "The Melody Makers had a breezy pop style, and while it was impossible not to hear Bob in Ziggy's vocals, this only emphasized the incredible emotional qualities of his own voice."[2]
[edit] Discography
- Albums
- 1979: Children Playing
- 1985: Play the Game Right
- 1986: Hey World!
- 1988: Time Has Come: The Best of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers
- 1988: Conscious Party
- 1989: One Bright Day
- 1991: Jahmekya
- 1993: Joy and Blues
- 1993: 3 CD Box Set
- 1995: Free Like We Want 2 B
- 1997: The Best of (1988 - 1993)
- 1997: Fallen Is Babylon
- 1999: The Spirit of Music
- 2000: Live Vol. 1
- 2008: The Best of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers
[edit] TV appearances
- 1991: Sesame Street
- 1991: Soul Train
- 1995: The Reggae Movie
[edit] Awards and nominations
| Year | Category | Nominated Work | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grammy Awards | |||||
| 1986 | Best Reggae Album | "Play the Game Right" | Nominated | ||
| 1989 | Best Reggae Album | "Conscious Party" | Won | ||
| 1990 | Best Reggae Album | "One Bright Day" | Won | ||
| 1992 | Best Reggae Album | "Jahmekya" | Nominated | ||
| 1994 | Best Reggae Album | "Joy and Blues" | Nominated | ||
| 1996 | Best Reggae Album | "Free Like We Want 2 B" | Nominated | ||
| 1998 | Best Reggae Album | "Fallen Is Babylon" | Won | ||
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f Ziggy Marley Billboard Singles. All Music Guide. Retrieved on January 6, 2012
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers. All Music Guide. Retrieved on January 6, 2012
- ^ a b c d e f g h Ziggy Marley Billboard Albums. All Music Guide. Retrieved on January 6, 2012
- ^ http://www.grammy.com/nominees?year=2011&genre=29
[edit] External links
|
|||||||||||||||||
