1981: Performing at Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica
In 1981 Stephen notably sang "Sugar Pie" with the Melody Makers at the annual Reggae Sunsplash concert in Jamaica.
My Roots
“Anything that sounds good is good,” says Stephen Marley, paraphrasing Duke Ellington. Don’t be surprised to hear the King of Reggae’s son referencing Harlem’s master of the jazz orchestra. Never one to limit his musical horizons, Stephen has always listened without prejudice, letting his inspiration set him free as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer—whether collaborating with his illustrious musical family, or with Lauryn Hill, Nas, or Erykah Badu.
Beginning his lifelong musical journey at the age of six, Stephen shared historic stages with his legendary father and toured the world with his brother Ziggy and sisters Cedella and Sharon, The Melody Makers. The Tuff Gong instilled in all of his children a strict work ethic and an awareness that “music is way more than just music.”
Over the past 45 years, Stephen has won no fewer than eight Grammy Awards—three with The Melody Makers, twice as a producer of his younger brother Damian Marley, and three times as a solo artist. Every one of his solo projects to date has topped the Billboard Reggae charts. Stephen Marley’s place in music history is already secure. He does not really need to push the envelope, to defy expectations, to let the whole world into his world. And yet that is just what he’s decided to do.
Stephen Marley’s highly anticipated new single Old Soul just dropped on his birthday April 20, 2023; the first work off his new studio project in 5 years which is set to release later this year --and comes as a complete revelation and many new surprises. Listen HERE!
Stephen is excited to bring another ‘Babylon By Bus’ Summer Tour on the road this summer! with special guests Skip Marley, Fortunate Youth, Hirie, Jesse Royal, Arise Roots, Artikal Sound System, Roots of Creation, & Subatomic Sound System on select dates!
Stay tuned for more updates and music coming soon!
1980: Performs on stage with his father and brother
"In 1980 my brother Ziggy and I performed on stage with our father at a free concert at Rufaro Stadium in Salisbury, Zimbabwe, to honor the nation's Independence Celebration. It was the first time I realized that the music we do is more than just music, to some people as it defined their independence."
1979: Performing live with the Melody Makers in Jamaica
Originally formed at the request of their mother, Rita Marley, The Melody Makers was comprised of vocalist/guitarist Ziggy, vocalist/guitarist/drummer Stephen, vocalists Cedella and Sharon.
1972: Birth
"I, Stephen Robert Nesta "Ragga Muffin" Marley was born to Bob and Rita Marley on April 20, 1972 in Delaware….I was born there, but went home to Jamaica."