Marcia Griffiths facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marcia Griffiths
OJ OD
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Marcia Griffiths at Ruhr Reggae Summer 2016
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Marcia Llyneth Griffiths |
| Born | 23 November 1949 Kingston, Jamaica |
| Genres | Reggae, roots reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Associated acts | The Wailers I Threes Bob and Marcia |
Marcia Llyneth Griffiths (born November 23, 1949) is a famous Jamaican singer. She is known for her hit song "Electric Boogie." This song was remixed in 1989 and became the music for the popular "Electric Slide" line dance. It is the best-selling song ever by a female reggae singer.
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Marcia Griffiths' Music Journey
Marcia Griffiths was born in West Kingston, Jamaica. She started her music career in 1964. She performed on stage with a band called Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.
Early Recordings
After her first performance, two record labels offered her contracts. She chose to record with Studio One. There, she sang duets with other artists. These included Bob Marley and Bob Andy. In 1968, she had her first solo hit song, "Feel Like Jumping." She also had other early hits like "Truly" and "Melody Life."
Bob and Marcia Duo
From 1970 to 1974, Marcia worked as a duo with Bob Andy. They were known as Bob and Marcia. They recorded songs together for the Harry J label.
Singing with The I Threes
Between 1974 and 1981, Marcia was part of a singing group called the I Threes. This group sang backup for Bob Marley & the Wailers. She also kept recording her own songs during this time.
The "Electric Boogie" Hit
In December 1982, Marcia Griffiths released "Electric Boogie." Bunny Wailer wrote this song just for her. It became a big hit in Jamaica in 1983.
The song was remixed in 1989. This new version made the Electric Slide dance famous around the world. It reached number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. This made it her most successful song. It is still the highest-selling song by a female reggae singer.
Awards and Recognition
Marcia Griffiths was featured on the album True Love by Toots and the Maytals. This album won a Grammy Award in 2004 for Best Reggae Album. Many famous musicians were also on this album.
She also appeared in a 2011 movie called Reggae Got Soul: The Story of Toots and the Maytals. A movie about Marcia Griffiths, Reggae Meets Samba, was also being made in Brazil.
In 2014, she announced a new album. It was called Songs That Inspire Me, Songs I Love to Sing. This album featured her favorite songs by other artists.
Personal Life
Marcia Griffiths has two children. She raised them on her own after their father passed away in 1983.
Honors and Awards
Marcia Griffiths has received important awards in Jamaica.
- In 2014, she received the Order of Distinction (Commander class). This is a high honor in Jamaica.
- In October 2023, she was given the Order of Jamaica (OJ). This is Jamaica’s fourth-highest national honor.
Albums
- Sweet Bitter Love (1974)
- Naturally (1978)
- Steppin (1979)
- Rock My Soul (1984)
- Marcia (1988)
- Carousel (1990)
- Indomitable (1995)
- Land of Love (1997)
- Collectors Series (1998)
- Truly (1998)
- Certified (1999)
- Reggae Max (2003)
- Shining Time (2005)
- Melody Life (2007)
- Marcia Griffiths & Friends (2012)
- Timeless (2019)
