Legend (CD - 1984)

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).

Disc One of LEGEND: DELUXE EDITION contains a remastered version of LEGEND with two bonus tracks. Disc Two contains 1980's remixes of songs from LEGEND.

Bob Marley & The Wailers: Bob Marley (vocals, acoustic & electric guitar, percussion); Peter McIntosh (vocals, guitar, piano, organ); Bunny Livingston (vocals, bongos, congas); Earl "Chinna" Smith (guitar, percussion); Julian "Junior" Marvin (guitar, background vocals); Donald Kinsey, Al Anderson (guitar); Bernard "Touter" Harvey (piano, organ); Tyrone Downie, Earl "Way" Lindo (keyboards, percussion, background vocals); Aston "Family Man" Barrett (bass, percussion); Carlton Barrett (drums, percussion); Alvin "Seeco" Patterson (percussion).

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

Producers: Bob Marley & The Wailers, Errol Brown, Chris Blackwell.

Compilation producer: Bill Levenson.

Includes a 28-page book with lyrics and photos.

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

The classic Marley album, the one that any fair-weather reggae fan owns, Legend contains 14 of his greatest songs, running the gamut from "I Shot the Sheriff" to the meditative "Redemption Song" and the irrepressible "Three Little Birds." Some may argue that the compilation shortchanges his groundbreaking early ska work or his status as a political commentator, but this isn't meant to be definitive, it's meant to be an introduction, sampling the very best of his work. And it does that remarkably well, offering all of his genre-defying greats and an illustration of his excellence, warmth, and humanity. In a way, it is perfect since it gives a doubter or casual fan anything they could want. Let's face it, the beauty and simplicity of Marley's music was as important as his message, and that's captured particularly well here. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

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.)

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--literally--universal in its appeal. The music here is essential as air. (Note: The Deluxe Edition includes two bonus tracks and an additional disc of remixes.) minimize