• 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."

Comments

More Songfacts:

One WeekBarenaked Ladies

The closing lyrics in "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies are "Birchmount Stadium, home of the Robbie," which refers to a soccer tournament in Ontario.

Your Time Is Gonna ComeLed Zeppelin

"Your Time Is Gonna Come" became the first Led Zeppelin song to be covered when Sandie Shaw recorded it in 1969.

Brown Eyed GirlVan Morrison

Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" was originally called "Brown Skinned Girl," and was about an interracial relationship.

I Can't Stand The RainAnn Peebles

Ann Peebles' "I Can't Stand The Rain" originated from a comment made by the singer to her husband, Don Bryant, when they were preparing to head out to a blues show and it began tipping down with rain.

When I Think of YouJanet Jackson

When "When I Think of You" hit #1, Janet and Michael Jackson became the first siblings with chart topping solo hits in the United States.

Shot In The DarkOzzy Osbourne

Ozzy Osbourne's "Shot In The Dark" is titled after a Pink Panther movie.

Editor's Picks

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

The Evolution of "Ophelia"Song Writing

How five songs portray Shakespeare's character Ophelia.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Song CitiesMusic Quiz

Nirvana, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen are among those who wrote songs with cities that show up in this quiz.