Today July 25, is Rita Marley’s 78th birthday. The reigning matriarch of the Marley family was played by UK actor Lashana Lynch in the ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ movie. The film, released by Paramount Pictures, covers a crucial period in Jamaica and Marley’s history, starting with the assassination attempt on both Bob and Rita Marley in December 1976. Bob’s manager Don Taylor was also injured in the incident.
Lynch’s leading rile covers Rita’s role Bob Marley’s life into self-imposed exile in the UK, where he produced the albums Exodus and Kaya, and concludes with the One Love Peace Concert in Kingston.
Lynch portrayal of Alfarita Constantia “Rita” Marley, delves untold narratives as the wife of reggae legend Bob Marley, however Rita’s own career as a musician is noteworthy. She first found solo chart success with her 1981 release “One Draw” peaking at No. 48 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in 1982. Then with the album “We Must Carry On” which peaked at No.5 on the Billboard World Albums chart and was nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 34th Annual Grammy Awards.
She had previously earned another nomination at the 25th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Ethnic Or Traditional Folk Recording for “Reggae Sunsplash ’81, which featured the I Threes cover of “Belly Full a/ka Them Belly Full (But We Hungry).”
Her 2019 compilation album The Best of Rita Marley: Lioness of Reggae, produced by her son Ziggy Marley peaked No. 3 on the Billboard Reggae albums chart the week of May 18, 2019.
She has been doing music since 1966 and tells Reggaeville, “Music is naturally in me. I was a part of another group, the Soulettes, even before the Wailers. I know the power of unity and harmony, so even as a solo artist I have always made sure to surround myself with the best musicians and background singers… such as The Tamlins. A lead voice shines best when the proper backdrop setting is in place.”
Here are the top ten songs by Rita Marley, along with her chart success, album, and year of release:
- One DrawChart Success: Reached number 48 on Billboard Dance Club Chart
- Album: Who Feels It Knows It
- Year: 1980
- HarambeChart Success: Popular in local reggae countdown charts, widely recognized.
- Album: Harambe (Working Together)
- Year: 1988
- Who Feels It Knows ItChart Success: Well-received in the reggae community.
- Album: Who Feels It Knows It
- Year: 1981
- A Jah JahChart Success: Gained significant airplay on reggae radio stations.
- Album: One Draw
- Year: 1982
- So Much Things to SayChart Success: Appreciated among reggae fans.
- Album: Who Feels It Knows It
- Year: 1981
- I’m Still WaitingChart Success: Reggae chart hit.
- Album: Who Feels It Knows It
- Year: 1981
- King StreetChart Success: Well-regarded in the reggae genre.
- Album: Who Feels It Knows It
- Year: 1981
- There Will Always Be MusicChart Success: Popular among fans.
- Album: Sunshine After Rain
- Year: 2003
- Many Are CalledChart Success: Recognized in reggae circles.
- Album: Who Feels It Knows It
- Year: 1981
- Thank You JahChart Success: Appreciated by reggae enthusiasts.
- Album: Who Feels It Knows It
- Year: 1981
