Band

Marcia Griffiths

Mapped through Funk influences; 16 albums in the Staimusic archive; upcoming live dates.

Marcia Griffiths
Biography

Marcia Griffiths: history and sound

Marcia Llyneth Griffiths (born 23 November 1949) is a successful Jamaican female singer, also called the Queen of Reggae.
Marcia Griffiths: Reggae's Queen of Harmony
When it comes to reggae music, few names evoke as much excitement and respect as Marcia Griffiths. She is a cultural ambassador, a pioneer, and an icon in the music industry. Her slick voice and harmonious timbre have influenced a generation of artists, both in her native Jamaica and internationally. In this article, we'll dive deep into the life and work of Marcia Griffiths, discussing her biography, music genre, best songs, and famous concerts. So, put on your headphones, sit back, and get ready to learn all about reggae's Queen of Harmony.
Marcia Griffiths was born on November 23rd, 1949, in Jamaica's Kingston Parish. She grew up in a musical family and began singing in local churches as a child, where her talent and passion for music became evident. In the late 1960s, Griffiths joined the legendary Jamaican vocal group, The I-Threes, which was formed as backup singers for Bob Marley and the Wailers. The group comprised three women – Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, and Rita Marley – and their beautiful harmonies and soulful voices earned them a permanent place in reggae history.
Griffiths' musical genre is primarily reggae, but she also has dabbled in other styles like ska, lover's rock, and dancehall. Her style is characterized by soulful melodies, a striking vocal range, and thought-provoking lyrics, often focusing on themes of love, social justice, and equality. Her collaboration with other renowned reggae artists, such as Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, and Toots and The Maytals, is also worth mentioning.
Marcia Griffiths has an impressive array of hit songs in her catalog, including Electric Boogie, Stepping Out of Babylon, Feel Like Jumping, Melody Life, All My Life, and many more. Her 1989 hit song Electric Boogie was a global success and spawned an iconic dance known as the Electric Slide, which became an instant party classic and is still performed at national events, weddings, and clubs worldwide.
Some of Griffiths' famous concerts include the Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay, Jamaica, the Reggae Sunsplash in Kingston, Jamaica, and the Glastonbury Festival in the UK. In December 2020, she also performed live virtually in the Reggae Sunsplash 2020 festival and received critical acclaim for her sensational performance.
Marcia Griffith's contributions to the music industry have been immense and invaluable. Her music has inspired countless artists and music lovers, and her influence on reggae music is indelible. From her humble beginnings singing in local churches to becoming a cultural ambassador and an icon, Griffiths' music and talent have graced global stages and earned her countless awards and recognitions. She is undoubtedly reggae's Queen of harmony, and her music will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
Concepts

Genres, influences and musical ideas

Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Holding You Close
Marcia Griffiths Holding You Close
First Time I Ever Saw Your Face
Marcia Griffiths First Time I Ever Saw Your Face
Young Gifted And Black
Marcia Griffiths Young Gifted And Black
It's Too Late
Marcia Griffiths It's Too Late
Black Tears
Marcia Griffiths Black Tears
All My Life
Marcia Griffiths All My Life
Future plans

Marcia Griffiths: next events

Unknown venue Saint Catharines, Canada Buy the ticket!