Most people think of Bob Marley as a charismatic performer who brought the delights of reggae to a wider audience. He was also a brilliant songwriter: Redemption Song has one of his most beautiful melodies.
Marley wrote Redemption Song for the 1979 Wailers album, Uprising. It’s a song influenced by a legendary speech given by the Pan-Africanist leader Marcus Garvey. Who among us isn’t in need of redemption?
We begin with the Marley original:
Redemption Song is right in Jackson Browne’s wheelhouse:
Here’s Sweet Honey In The Rock with a gorgeous a cappella interpretation of the Marley classic.
Stevie Wonder. Say no more.
Johnny Cash teamed up with Joe Strummer of The Clash on this 2003 version of Redemption Song:
Finally, Bob Marley’s son Ziggy with The Chieftains:
What would the Friday Cocktail Hour be without an instrumental version of the week’s tune? This time, Bernie Worrell on solo piano.
That’s it for this week. I propose a toast to the late great Bob Marley. Thanks for all the great music, sir. It’s what Tony Bennett and Stevie Wonder would want. Never argue with them.
