Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers

1979–1983: Early beginnings and Children Playing in the Streets Originally formed at the request of their father, Bob Marley, it was only after his death that the Melody Makers came into their own. Their vision, however, is similar to their father's desire to bring people together through music and the Melody Makers' pop-reggae sound has certainly done that. The band is comprised by four of Bob Marley's 11 children, vocalist/guitarist Ziggy, vocalist/guitarist/drummer Stephen, vocalist Cedella, and vocalist Sharon. As the eldest male, Ziggy is viewed by the press as the group's leader, with Stephen often sharing in the songwriting and lead vocals. The album spawned the successful single "Tomorrow People", which charted at no. 16 on the Mainstream Rock chart and no. 39 on the Hot 100. In that same year, the group performed "Believe in Yourself", the theme song to the PBS Kids series, Arthur. In early 1997, the group performed at the tribute concert "Marley Magic Live" in Central Park, New York on the Summerstage. They also released their second best-of album "The Best of (1988-1993)". Later that year, the group released ninth album "Fallen Is Babylon". The album only charted no. 3 on the Top Reggae Albums chart. In 1998, the second single "Everyone Wants to Be" charted at no. 16 on the Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart. The album earned the group their third Grammy Award. 1999–2002: Spirit of Music and final releases In 1999, the group released their tenth and final studio album, Spirit of Music. The album peaked at no. 1 on the Top Reggae Albums chart. The album spawned the singles "Higher Vibration," "Jah Will Be Done", and "One Good Spliff". Later that year, the group reunited to perform at the "One Love All-Star Tribute Concert." The concert was recorded and released in the same year and features other performances from Rita Marley, Julian Marley, Erykah Badu, and other artists. In 2000, the group released their live album Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers Live, Vol. 1, which charted at no. 5 on the Top Reggae Albums chart. In May 2001, the group released a concert DVD, "Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers Live". The DVD was filmed in 2000 in Pompano Beach, Florida. ==Disbanding and recent projects==

In 2003, Ziggy released his first album Dragonfly. In the same year, Stephen and his brother Damian put together an album called Educated Fools under the group name of Marley Boyz. They recorded it on the labels Ghetto Youths International and Tuff Gong International, collaborating with a number of other reggae artists including their brother Ky-Mani Marley. Cedella currently lives in Miami, Florida, where she is the CEO of Tuff Gong International. She continues to tour with the Melody Makers internationally and perform on numerous TV shows. She has also developed a collection of customized women's clothing, named Catch A Fire, the title of one of her father's albums. Sharon balances her prowess on stage with the Caribbean business of Ghetto Youth United, the Melody Makers support group and as the curator of the Bob Marley Museum. Erica Newell, who was back-up vocalist for the group's tours, has pursued her solo career. She released a single "Inspire Me". She is currently working on her own album, which will be released her independent record label "Ouida International". She sings as a backing vocalist for Stephen Marley and continues to do her own shows. In 2006, Ziggy released his second album Love Is My Religion, which earned a Grammy Award for "Best Reggae Album". In the following year, Stephen released his first album Mind Control in March 2007, which also earned a Grammy Award for "Best Reggae Album". In 2008, Ziggy released a live CD/DVD Love Is My Religion Live. In 2009, Ziggy released his third album Family Time. In the same year, Stephen joined Snoop Dogg and Slightly Stoopid on the Blazed and Confused 2009 Tour and released Mind Control Acoustic. In February 2011, Cedella announced she would design the kit for the Jamaican track and field team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, including world champion Usain Bolt, under an arrangement with Puma. In May 2011, Stephen released his second album Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life. In July 2011, Ziggy released his fourth album Wild and Free. The album spawned the single "Forward to Love". In September 2011, Cedella released a book called One Love. Ziggy's Wild and Free album and Stephen's Revelation Part 1: The Root of Life each received a 2012 Grammy nomination, and Stephen won the 2012 GrammyAaward for "Best Reggae Album". ==Public image==

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers were often compared to their father's group Bob Marley and the Wailers, a Jamaican reggae group. Jo-Ann Greene of All Music Guide stated, "The Melody Makers had a breezy pop style, and while it was impossible not to hear Bob in Ziggy's vocals, this only emphasized the incredible emotional qualities of his own voice." ==Discography==

;Albums • 1979: Children Playing • 1985: Play the Game Right • 1986: Hey World! • 1988: Conscious Party • 1989: One Bright Day • 1991: Jahmekya • 1993: Joy and Blues • 1995: Free Like We Want 2 B • 1997: Fallen Is Babylon • 1999: Spirit of Music ==Television and film appearances==

• 1991: Sesame Street • 1995: The Reggae Movie • 1995: Family Matters (Episode: "Walking My Baby Back Home") • 1996: Arthur (theme song) • 1996: Muppet Treasure Island ("Love Power") • 2008: ''Africa Unite: A Celebration of Bob Marley's 60th Birthday'' • 2012: Marley ==Awards and nominations==