Legend

This remastered version of LEGEND contains a 28 page booklet, and two bonus tracks.

Personnel: Bob Marley (vocals, guitar, percussion); Peter Tosh (vocals, guitar, piano, organ); Tyrone Downie (vocals, keyboards, percussion); Bunny Wailer (vocals, percussion); Aston "Family Man" Barrett (guitar, bass, percussion); Julian "Junior" Marvin (guitar, background vocals); Al Anderson, Earl "Chinna" Smith, Donald Kinsey (guitar); Earl "Wya" Lindo (keyboards, percussion); Touter (keyboards); Carlton Barrett (drums, percussion); Alvin "Seeco" Patterson, Joe Higgs (percussion).

The I Threes: Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt (background vocals).

Producers: Steve Smith, Bob Marley and The Wailers, Chris Blackwell, Errol Brown.

Reissue producer: Bill Levenson.

Recorded between 1972 and 1981. Originally released on Island (90169).

Digitally remastered by Ted Jensen (2001, Sterling Sound, New York).

The 2003 Argentine edition features additional tracks and a NTSC-formatted, Region 0 DVD with videos, a biographical film, and more.

There are few musicians whose music has indisputably advanced humanity. Reggae figurehead Bob Marley--a songwriter, poet, activist, and visionary--is one of them. The idea that a single-disc collection could represent the depth, breadth, and power of Marley's achievement is far-fetched, but LEGEND makes an excellent attempt. Every single one of its tracks is outstanding, and the artist's different faces--revolutionary ("Get Up Stand Up"), romantic ("Is This Love"), devout Rastafarian ("Buffalo Soldier"), and prophet ("One Love/People Get Ready") are equally represented.

In addition to his moving message of love and unity, Marley is a master songwriter, as the timelessness of songs like "Stir It Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," and the gorgeous, poignant "Redemption Song" proves. Of course, a true sampling of Marley's output would require some early ska material, the Wailer's debut (CATCH A FIRE), the definitive NATTY DREAD, and his later-period opus EXODUS, but LEGEND provides a highly satisfying, if brief, overview of Marley's genius. A record well suited to any location, season, or time of day, it has proven universal in its appeal. The music herein is as essential as air. (Note: The Deluxe Edition includes two bonus tracks and an additional disc of remixes.)