Musicians remember Bob in daytime event

Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Reggae historians have pointed to Bob Marley's embrace of young musicians as one of the secrets to his remarkable success. Tomorrow, two of those musicians will commemorate their mentor's 66th birthday with a live event in Kingston.

Guitarist Earl 'Chinna' Smith and songwriter Anthony 'Sangie' Davis head a cast of artistes who will perform at Smith's St Andrew Park home. The Inna De Yard Crew, Magna and traditional Rastafarian drummers are also scheduled to participate in the show, which is scheduled to start just after noon.

Solo career

Marley was born on February 6, 1945. He died in May 1981 from cancer at age 36.

When he went solo in the early 1970s, Marley called on several young musicians, including keyboardists Earl 'Way' Lindo and Tyrone Downie and guitarist Al Anderson, to add some edge to his sound.

Smith and Davis were establishing themselves as musician and songwriter, respectively.

The former's work with the Soul Syndicate band and Dennis Brown caught the attention of the Marley camp, which drafted him for the Rastaman Vibration album which was released in 1976.

Smith also toured North America with Marley and the Wailers to support the album.

Three years later, Marley recorded Davis' song Wake Up and Live for his Survival album.

"The greatest thing 'bout Bob Marley was him humility. One of the most kind-hearted persons mi ever meet," Davis said.

Smith and Davis recorded Wake Up and Live two years ago for Smith's Inna De Yard acoustic series.