Reggae music’s beloved “Queen,” Marcia Griffiths, is set to commemorate an incredible six decades of musical artistry with a grand concert in Miramar. This momentous event, scheduled for May 12, 2024, at the Miramar Readiness Center, promises to be a vibrant celebration of Griffiths’ enduring legacy in the reggae genre.

Fans can anticipate a night filled with nostalgic melodies and new rhythms, as Griffiths will be joined by a stellar lineup of friends and fellow reggae icons. The Art of Reggae Music Festival, held annually on Mother’s Day, is the perfect backdrop for this historic occasion, offering a family-friendly atmosphere that resonates with the communal spirit of reggae music.

Griffiths’ journey in the music industry is nothing short of inspirational; from her early days with the I-Threes, where she performed alongside Bob Marley, to her successful solo career, she has consistently been a beacon of talent and grace. Her hits like “Electric Boogie” and “Feel Like Jumping” have not only topped charts but also become anthems of joy across generations. The upcoming concert in Miramar is not just a tribute to Griffiths’ 60 years in the industry but also a testament to the power of reggae music to unite and uplift.

With performances by renowned artists such as Ky-Mani Marley, Busy Signal, Tanya Stephens, Lady G, Etana, and Freddie McGregor, the event is set to be an electrifying experience. As we approach the date, reggae enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their tickets for an evening that promises music, memories, and a magical journey through the history of reggae music with Marcia Griffiths and her illustrious friends.

Often hailed as the “Empress of Reggae,” she embarked on her musical journey in the vibrant neighborhoods of Kingston, Jamaica. Born on November 23, 1949, Griffiths’ passion for music was ignited in her youth, leading her to the stage at a tender age. Her professional career began in 1964, when she captivated audiences with her performance alongside Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, prompted by Phillip James of The Blues Busters who recognized her talent.

Her early career was marked by a series of duets with renowned male artists, including Bob Marley, with whom she recorded the duet “Oh My Darling.” This period also saw her collaborate with Tony Gregory, Jeff Dixon, and most notably, Bob Andy, with whom she not only shared a series of hits but also a significant personal relationship. Her solo success began to take shape at Studio One, the famed record label owned by Clement Dodd, where she released “Feel Like Jumping,” a track that became a hallmark of her early work.

The late 1960s and early 1970s were a transformative time for Griffiths. She joined forces with Bob Andy as part of the duo Bob and Marcia, producing chart-topping tracks such as “Young, Gifted and Black” and “Pied Piper,” which resonated well beyond Jamaican shores. Her affiliation with the I-Threes, a trio of backing vocalists for Bob Marley & the Wailers, further solidified her status in the reggae world between 1974 and 1981.

Throughout the 1970s, she continued to build her solo repertoire, working with producers like Sonia Pottinger and Joseph Hoo Kim, and releasing music that would endear her to reggae enthusiasts worldwide. Her re-recording of Bunny Wailer’s “Electric Boogie” in 1983, and its subsequent remix in 1989, propelled the Electric Slide into an international dance phenomenon, cementing her influence in the music industry.

Her contributions to reggae are not only measured by her music but also by her role as a trailblazer for female artists in a predominantly male-dominated genre. Her enduring presence in the industry, marked by collaborations with various artists and producers, continues to inspire new generations of musicians. As we celebrate her storied career, it’s clear that Marcia Griffiths’ early years laid the foundation for a legacy that transcends time and continues to thrive in the heart of reggae music.

Griffiths’ collaborations span a wide array of artists, reflecting her versatility and influence in the reggae music scene. Her early work included duets with Bob Marley, such as the charming “Oh My Darling,” and with Tony Gregory on the track “You’re Mine.” She also collaborated with Jeff Dixon on “Words” and had a series of hits with Bob Andy, including “Always Together,” which marked not only a professional partnership but also a personal relationship that lasted several years.

In her illustrious career, she has worked with a variety of producers and artists that have enriched her musical journey. She teamed up with Silly Walks Discotheque and Jr Blender for the production of “Holding You Close,” a song from her album “Smile Jamaica.” This collaboration is a testament to her ability to blend contemporary sounds with her classic reggae style.

Her Golden Album featured productions by Damian “Junior Gong” Marley on “That Part of Me,” while Clive Hunt guided her on “Slide,” a song penned by Omi of ‘Cheerleader’ fame. Adrian Hanson produced “Time Away,” a collaboration with Turbulence, as well as “Black Tears,” a collaboration with Ivory Coast’s reggae star Tiken Jah Fakoly, showcasing her international appeal and the respect she commands across the reggae world.

Her collaborations are not limited to music production; she has also shared the stage with many artists. Her performance at the Main Stage 2019 at Rototom Sunsplash is a prime example of her live collaboration prowess, where she celebrated 55 years in the industry with a timeless live performance.

Moreover, her role in the I-Threes, alongside Judy Mowatt and Rita Marley, is perhaps one of the most significant collaborations in reggae history, providing backing vocals for Bob Marley & the Wailers and contributing to some of the most seminal recordings of the genre.

Throughout her career, Griffiths has also worked with modern reggae artists, including Shaggy and Buju Banton, adding her distinctive voice to their works and bridging the gap between the roots of reggae and its contemporary expressions. Her ability to collaborate across generations and styles has made her a beloved figure in the music industry and a true icon of reggae music. Her collaborations, whether they are duets, group performances, or production partnerships, all share the common thread of her passionate and soulful approach to music, which has made her a cherished artist for over six decades. Her enduring legacy is a reflection of her talent, her commitment to her craft, and her collaborative spirit, which has brought richness and diversity to her extensive discography.

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