Bob Marley’s Legend, the best-selling reggae album, will have a new sound this summer with the release of Legend: Remixed.
The Universal Music Group, which distributes the Marley catalogue, and the family’s Tuff Gong company are behind the project.
Fifteen of the 16 songs on the original 1984 album distributed by Island Records are covered by several artistes including Marley’s sons, Ziggy and Stephen.
Ziggy’s version of Redemption Song is included. Stephen, rappers RAC and Nickodemus also put their spin on Marley songs but the titles have not been disclosed.
The album’s executive producer is DJ/producer Jason Bentley.
Universal Music president/CEO Bruce Resnikoff said Legend: Remixed is another step to introduce Marley’s music to a new generation.
“The Marley name and music are precious to us. We are truly honoured to continue Bob’s legacy with the support and participation of his family and the Tuff Gong organisation. We feel the release of this album will offer key opportunities to the Marley family to expand their brand, and its message, outside of traditional music venues.”
Universal and Tuff Gong will also distribute a documentary, Making of Legend: Remixed, which contains interviews with members of the Marley family, the producer and remixers.
A remix version of Three Little Birds — one of the original songs on Legend — is part of a summer advertising campaign for Hyundai’s Assurance Connected Care programme.
Legend was released three years after Marley’s death. It contains staples such as No Woman No Cry, One Love, Redemption Song, and Waiting In Vain.
The compilation was an instant hit and remains one of Billboard magazine’s best-selling catalogue albums with worldwide sales of over 25 million units.
This is the second attempt at marketing Marley’s music to a contemporary urban audience. In 1999, Stephen Marley worked with hip-hop acts including Lauryn Hill and Busta Rhymes and singer Steven Tyler of rock band Aerosmith on the album Chant Down Babylon.
They appeared in digital duets with the reggae legend on songs like Turn Your Lights Down Low which featured Hill. Chant Down Babylon sold over 500,000 units and was certified gold.