| Chris Blackwell went on a visit to Jamaica and it was Chris who made an offer of a contract because he recognised the colossal pulling power of Bob Marley and the Wailers, but it was Lee "Scratch" Perry's genius that came to the rescue because it was he who hand picked the musicians from his in-house band the Upsetters to perform as Bob Marley's backing group in the studio; the Barrett brothers top guitarists were once members of Lee Perry's Upsetters Band linked up with Bob Marley to form the Wailers group. Bob Marley on the other hand had a ravenous appetite for women, these women bore him several children, not only did he became father of many children from different women, he treated all his women with a kind of respect that warrants that of the crowned heads. Bob Marley was an extraordinary character, a powerful but intangible figure that was acclaimed by many as a mystical redeemer. Bob Marley himself had no doubt that he was that of great stature in mind, body and spirit as he declared by stating: "Maybe it's a fool say dat! But when me know facts me can say. My music will go on and live forever." Chris Blackwell knew of Bob Marley and The Wailers, Chris Blackwell also knew that they were the best and most successful group in Jamaica. As soon as Bob and The Wailers signed for Chris Blackwell's Island recording company, Chris Blackwell offered the group a deal unheard of in the Jamaican recording industry circles. The Wailers were advanced £80,000.00 to make an album. Blackwell had heard the group’s recent demo recording tapes and was very impressed. Jamaican producers mainly do music recording for their own purpose and that in making records for sound system clashes and dance hall competitions, payments was pittance. |
