Ziggy Marley

 

Ziggy Marley is a Grammy-winning Jamaican musician. He is the oldest son of Rita and Bob Marley, the legendary roots reggae singer. His mother Rita called and baptised him David, but his father Bob nicknamed him "Ziggy" in reference to a big spliff. The rumour that his nickname was chosen after the character "Ziggy Stardust" created by David Bowie is not true. Born in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, he learned how to play guitar and drums from his father.

 

In 1979, Ziggy and his siblings, Cedella, Stephen and Sharon, made their recording debut with their father, "Children Playing in the Streets". The Melody Makers, as the group came to be known, played occasionally for several years, including at their father's funeral in 1981. Their debut LP was Play the Game Right, which was a very pop-oriented album, earning Ziggy some derision from critics. The band's label, EMI, wanted to market Ziggy as a solo act, and so the Melody Makers moved to Virgin Records, where they recorded Conscious Party (1988, produced by Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth). The album was critically and popularly successful, as was One Bright Day(1989) and Jahmekya (1991). Some of his best singles include True To Myself, Drive, Ganja Smoke and People get ready.  See Ziggy Marley LIVE!  Purchase Ziggy Marley tickets today!