Tuff Gong International celebrates Reggae Month and its founders with this Friday’s release of the digitally remastered album I-Three: Songs Of Bob Marley. This marks the 6th album in Tuff Gong’s vast back-catalog to be remastered and re-released under the label’s “Master’s Vault” series. Initially a collaborative production between Rita Marley Music and Japan’s Tachyon /Phonogram Record Company, this is also the first time that the album will be available worldwide.
Collectively, The I-Three has become a household name worldwide through their stellar harmonies for Bob Marley. Individually, they are Jamaica’s three most celebrated female vocalists. Individually, their hits include reggae anthems “One Draw,” “Many Are Called (Few Are Chosen,” and the global hit “Electric Boogie”. Together these took the world by storm with their critically acclaimed first album Beginning which featured the chart-toppers “He’s A Legend”, “Neighbour”, “That’s How Strong”, and “Jealousy”
When Bob Marley first heard Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt harmonizing he knew their melodious blend was the sound for which he was listening. As backup vocalists, the I-Three sounded so perfect that Bob decided to keep them on for the rest of the Natty Dread album, their first album with the King himself. By the time Bob Marley showcased them in his line-up at the Jackson Five concert in Kingston, Jamaica was ready for a female sounding Wailers. The audience was enthralled by the performance of the entire group – a performance considerably enhanced by the colorful sight of the I-Three in red, gold, and green headdresses and gowns, chucking in unison and singing harmony at stage right. The I-Three toured with Bob Marley all over the world, opening doors for reggae and raising the consciousness of millions to its hypnotic beat.
All three have been been bestowed the Order of Distinction, Jamaica’s highest honor of achievement. For their individual performances, both Rita Marley and Judy Mowatt are Grammy nominees. The I-Three are also a recipient of the 2001 International Achievement presented by The American Friends of Jamaica and lauded for their “excellence in carrying out the traditional of the Bob Marley era in international reggae.”
Songs of Bob Marley was recorded at Tuff Gong Studio to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Marley’s birth (1995). All thirteen tracks were executive-produced by Rita Marley Music and feature vocal arrangements by Grub Cooper (of the legendary Fab Five band).
Track List
Bob Marley Medley
Buffalo Soldier
Could You Be Loved
Get Up Stannd Up
I Shot The Sherriff
Iron Lion Zion
Is This Love
No Woman No Cry
One Love
Redemption Song
Stir It Up
Three Little Birds
Waiting In Vain