OLDIES SUNDAY: Burning Spear – Marcus Garvey (1974)

It’s Reggae Month and Black History Month, so we continue to honour those who have made strides in taking the music to another level, and those who have fought for the freedom of Black People. Today’s Oldies Sunday focuses on one of the most important voices in Reggae, and one of the most important Black figures in History. We check out Burning Spear’s “Marcus Garvey“.

Produced by Lawrence Lindo a.k.a. Jack Ruby and released through his Fox label in 1974, Burning Spear made a track to highlight National Hero and Pan-Africanist, Marcus Garvey. Garvey fought for Black Liberation, was a major influence in the Rastafarian movement and the Nation Of Islam, and inspired the Black Power movement. The song spoke of Garvey’s words and teachings coming to pass, while encouraging Black people to stand up and fulfill the prophecies from this great man. The song also made mention of Garvey’s Chauffeur, known as “Bag O’Wire“, who was responsible for betraying Garvey by reporting him to the Authourities. “Marcus Garvey” was the opening track for the 1975 album of the same name, which was been regarded as one of Reggae’s most important albums, and was celebrated as one of the 100 essential Reggae albums by Rough Guides Ltd., and one of the 1001 albums you must listen to before you die by Robert Dimery.

Since the release of “Marcus Garvey”, Burning Spear has went on to become an influential voice in Roots Reggae. With a heavy collection of albums and singles, Spear is also a two-time GRAMMY winner and 12-time nominee, and was active for years until retiring in 2016, and un-retiring in 2022. Celebrate the greats, and continue fighting for true freedom for Black People.

Check out the track below, and share with a friend. Show us some love/follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @13thStreetPromo.