Our dear friend, Duane Stephenson has been nominated for “Album of the Year” at the EME Awards!
EMEs are most commonly known as the “Jamaican Grammys” and is set to take place on March 12, held at the East Lawns of the historical Devon House in Kingston, Jamaica. Duane’s album “Black Gold” is one out of 8 nominees up for the award, and is one of the biggest impacts in this category. This is a huge achievement! So help a brother out and please vote for him here!
With the 30th year anniversary of his death, The Wailers pay tribute to Bob Marley and his amazing accomplishments as one of the most well known reggae musicians. His music is credited for spreading not only Jamaican music, but also the Rastafari movement worldwide. A truly captivating and challenging performer, we remember his voice that remains timeless and universal.
With the 30th year anniversary of his death, The Wailers pay tribute to Bob Marley and his amazing accomplishments as one of the most well known reggae musicians. His music is credited for spreading not only Jamaican music, but also the Rastafari movement worldwide. A truly captivating and challenging performer, we remember his voice that remains timeless and universal.
Marley’s integration of reggae music with his Rastafari beliefs has heavily impacted the world today. Through his music, he represented the oppression of his poverty and crime ridden homeland. He brought awareness to the struggles of Jamaicans and other Blacks: discrimination and segregation. Additionally, Marley advocated for the unity of all people, regardless of race or background. In doing so, Marley taught society to cope with violence and hate through song and love. He promoted the world to rally against injustice and inequality. He believed that the smartest people and the poorest of people should come together to live in harmony and to make the world a better place, a shared notion we hold true as well.
The 1960s and 1970s saw oppression and exploitation worldwide. Marley’s universal theme of equality and love captured the interest of many. The world found his songs not only easy to listen to, but exceptionally easy to relate to and understand, since his songs portrayed events they were currently experiencing.
Although racial inequality in the United States has diminished over the years, it is still a relevant problem and is even worse in other countries. Additionally, new discriminations have surfaced with each generation. Not only do today’s generations have to worry about their race, but also their religious affiliation, political views, and sexual orientation. Marley’s and The Wailers’ songs provide support and inspiration for today’s generations to seek equality and love. The timeless and universal messages of his songs continually strike the chords of new generations.
For his impact on the world, both of his time and today, Marley has been awarded Rolling Stone’s Band of the Year, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Time’s Greatest Album of the 20th Century, as well as numerous other awards. Concerts and festivals take place in his honor to celebrate the culture he developed. Documentaries have also been created remembering all that he has accomplished.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Marley’s death, his family is releasing a double-CD of his last performance. The performance was exceedingly better than expected. Although tired from battling cancer, Marley was said to sound “seasoned and soulful,” full of emotion. Dying of cancer just eight months later, the recordings of the performance truly shows Marley’s love for music. His drive and influential passion for music has guided the Wailers to continue creating soulful and inspiring reggae music. Marley’s music and impact on the world and The Wailers will always remain a legacy.
The Wailers brought their North American tour and some Caribbean heat to the crowd at Agave in Vail Valley, Colorado on Tuesday night, admidst one of the state’s most aggressive cold snaps in 2011. The Wailers had a great time and thank all the fans that came out for a magical night. The Vail Daily wrote a great summary and review of the show:
Despite sub-zero, skin-biting temperatures outside, The Wailers, along with energetic supporting acts, took the stage at Agave Tuesday night with a vigor and liveliness that quickly brought the Avon venue to a roaring decibel.
Those seeking new music and original fare were smart to arrive early as opener Tomorrows Bad Seeds (TBS) offered a West Coast dub-rock that was well-received by a crowd eager to move. Hailing from Hermosa Beach, Cali., the band’s integration of rock, ska and reggae were reminiscent of Sublime and Pepper. The band’s upbeat songs and stage presence livened patrons while warming the stage for the reggae sounds to come.
Next up was Kingston native and Wailers collaborator Duane Stephenson who shared two female backup singers and a guitarist with The Wailers. Similar to what Bob Marley is known for, Stephenson preached respect for women and kindness to others during his time on stage.
Agave’s crowd loudly welcomed The Wailers when they came on stage. Using standard Marley anthems, The Wailers introduced themselves with a suitable version of “Coming In From The Cold” and continued with hits such as “Three Little Birds” and “Redemption Song.” Frontman and lead singer Koolant addressed the Colorado crowd personally throughout the show, but it was Aston “Familyman” Barrett’s crucial bass presence and the accompanying musicians’ backing vocals and distinctive keys that kept the cover songs fresh.
Like the opening song, The Wailers’ closing song, “Exodus,” was fitting. As the music ended, a still-dancing, satisfied crowd filtered into the cold night; the crowd’s energy kept the frigid air at bay for a moment before it finally took hold.
Thank you Vail Daily for your kind words, and thank you to all of you who have joined us on the road so far.
On last week’s episode of the hit TV show “Glee”, a pseudo musical that follows young high schoolers navigating the perils of high school, the cast performed an awesome cover of The Wailers’ hit song with Bob Marley ‘One Love’. They took a different spin on the song, and their tribute to Bob Marley and The Wailers was an honor for the band to hear and see on the TV screen! It was very refreshing to hear the Glee cast mellowing out with some reggae.
You can listen to the full version of Glee’s ‘One Love’ HERE!!
“One Love” rolled out on Greene Street at the University of South Carolina on September 16, 2010, as The Wailers united 400 students with their classic “sweet island sound” and Jamaican jams. Friend and collaborator, Duane Stephenson, opened the show and pumped up the crowd to feel that beloved reggae spirit. Duane Stephenson will continue to open for The Wailers for the rest of their tour.
Read more about The Wailers: Jammin’ at USC and even check out pictures of the event HERE!!!!
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