Ziggy Marley

Ziggy Marley Artistfacts

  • October 17, 1968
  • Ziggy is the oldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley. Starting in 1979 when he was 11 years old, he fronted Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers, a group Bob put together that also included his children Stephen, Sharon and Cedella. They had a Platinum album in 1988 with Conscious Party and a hit that year with "Tomorrow People." Ziggy released his first solo album in 2003.
  • His real name is David. He has no idea where the name Ziggy came from (possibly a reference to David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust character), but that's what his dad always called him.
  • Ziggy looks and sounds a lot like his dad, which was often a topic of conversation when he started performing. Here's how he addressed the topic in 1986 when he was 17 and speaking with the LA Times: "I'm not here to do as anybody wants, but mainly what God wants, really. What God wants is the truth be spread all over the world and justice for all."
  • Fittingly, Ziggy plays guitar. He inherited his dad's guitar collection, including the Ovation acoustic Bob played on "Redemption Song."
  • His five Grammy wins for Best Reggae Album are a record in that category. He has seven if you count the two he won with Ziggy Marley & the Melody Makers.
  • Ziggy is good in a flight simulator. "I haven't flown a plane, but I think I could if I had to," he said on the Off The Record podcast. "I would know some things."

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