Satellite radio hosts memorial special for Marley

(Jamaica Gleaner) On the anniversary of Bob Marley’s death yesterday, SiriusXM’s reggae-music channel, The Joint, began a five-day tribute series to the music icon.

The tribute will feature five days of Marley’s music, some of which will come from modern-day artistes and other veterans, as well as performances and interviews from musicians.

Ziggy Marley, eldest son of Bob Marley, for instance, was to perform an acoustic set of songs from his new album Wild and Free in the SiriusXM studios in New York City yesterday.

Those who listen to SiriusXM Radio may listen to The Joint at 11:59 p.m. ET. The Joint is hosted on channel 42, and the series is called ‘Bob Marley 30th Memorial Special’.

SiriusXM listeners will hear music by Bob Marley and the Wailers, including favourites like No Woman, No Cry, One Love and Redemption Song; early classics rarely aired; as well as Marley covers by artistes such as Rihanna, Sheryl Crow, Trey Anastasio, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy Buffett, Annie Lennox, Matisyahu and Lee Ritenour; and remixes of Marley’s work by Stephen Marley.

The five-day special will also feature stories and testimonies from music icons, talking about Marley’s significance.

Listeners will hear from James Brown, Billy Idol, Sly and Robbie and more.

In addition to Ziggy Marley’s performance from his Wild and Free album, set for release June 14, listeners will also hear Ziggy give a rare, intimate interview discussing his childhood with his father, and sharing his personal insights into Bob Marley’s music legacy.

The in-depth interview will also include Ziggy sharing stories about the mission of his music, his new hardcover comic book Marijuanaman, and the Wild and Free album.

The interview will air on Sunday at 11 p.m. ET.

“Bob Marley’s musical legacy and spirit still resonates today, and we have created a multi-dimensional tribute to honour and celebrate his genre-defining music and life,” said Scott Greenstein, president and chief content officer, SiriusXM.

“We are excited to bring subscribers a special multi-day celebration of Bob Marley in words and music, and the exclusive performance by Ziggy Marley adds a very meaningful element to the tribute,” he continued.

The Joint plays reggae music from its roots to today. Listeners will hear music by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Gregory Isaacs, Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear, Vybz Kartel, Capleton, Dennis Brown, Sizzla, Beres Hammond and Jah Cure.

For more information on SiriusXM, please visit www.siriusxm.com.