[Junior Marvin | Biography]
Born
in Jamaica, Junior Marvin moved to London as a child, where his
love of both acting and music was nurtured. He appeared in the Beatles'
film "Help",which was followed by a number of other television
appearances. Meanwhile, Junior served his musical apprenticeship
in America by playing with the likes of Blues Legend T-Bone Walker
and Ike & Tina Turner. He quickly earned a reputation as an
innovative and expressive blues/rock guitarist. Back in England
he played with bands such as Herbie Goins & The Nighttimers,
Blue Ace Unit and White Rabbit.
Junior was a member of the London Cast of the musical "Hair";
and can be heard on the Original London Cast Recordings. He contributed
to Albums by Gerry Lockran, Rebop Kwakau Baah, Remi Kabacka, Ricco
Rodriguez, Fairport Convention, Sandy Deny and many others on the
UK scene. Junior was also invited to join the Keef Hartley Band
who were pioneers of the burgeoning British blues/rock scene. Junior
made a significant contribution as a writer,singer and lead guitarist
to their acclaimed "Seventy Second Brave" Album, and also
appeared on the follow-up release, "Lancashire Hustler".
Following Keef Hartley, Junior formed his own Rock Band " Hanson"
and they were swiftly signed to Emerson, Lake & Palmer's Manticore
label by Mario 'The Big M' Medious (the label manager). Their debut
Album " Now Hear This", featured: Junior (Lead Guitar
& Lead Vocals), Jean Roussell (Keybords), Conrad Isidore (Drums)
& Clive Chaman (Bass). A second album for The Manticore label
was titled "Magic Dragon". The Band,"Hanson",
stayed together for two albums after which Junior undertook session
work for the likes of Island Recording Artists Stomu Yamashta, Steve
Winwood and Toots & The Maytals.
On February 14, 1977 (Valentine's Day), Junior was invited to join
both Stevie Wonder & Bob Marley & The Wailers. His schoolmates
and musician friends chose Bob Marley because of the fact that they
were both Jamaicans…the rest is history. "Exodus"
was Junior's first album with Marley and The Wailers and it was
voted "Best Album Of The 20th Century' by Time Magazine. He
is on all Bob Marley and The Wailers Albums/Cd's since that time.
Since Bob's passing, in 1981, Junior has put out (4) four CD's with
The Wailers; "ID", "Majestic Warriors", "Jah
Message" and "My Friends" (Live). Junior can also
be found on CD's with Burning Spear, Alpha Blondy, Bunny Wailer,
Israel Vibrations, Culture, The Meditations, Beres Hammond, The
Congos, O.A,R. and SOJA.
The finishing touches to SOLO CD " WAILIN' FOR LOVE" was
released August 2007.
