Julian and Damian Marley | melodymakers.com

Julian Marley has been around music all his life. Born in London in 1975, he has been blessed both by his father's great talent and legacy and by the unique perspective that comes with an upbringing in a multicultural community. Since recording his first song at age five at the Marley family home in Kingston, Julian has become a skillful, self-taught musician, mastering the bass, drums, and keyboards. In 1989 he released his first album, titled "Uprising" -- also the name of his new band. He moved to Jamaica in 1992 and began to work with such reggae veterans as Aston "Family Man" Barrett, Earl "Wire" Lindo, Tyrone Downie and Earl "Chinna" Smith.

His most recent release, "Lion in the Morning", is the culmination of his musical development to date, a conscious effort that reflects his growing maturity and musical sophistication. Collaborating on the album with Julian was the Ghetto Youths International production team founded by siblings Stephen and Ziggy. The family connection goes further: it was recorded at the newly renovated Marley Music studio at Hope Road in Kingston, the studio where his father created some of his most important and well-known work. While clearly reflecting his roots and heritage, the album is his however his own testament.

A veteran performer despite his youth, Julian has performed at Jamaica's Sumfest and Sunsplash shows, and has toured in Japan, Brazil and Mexico. He and brother Damian were also featured as part of the "Marley Magic" North American tour in 1996. His current tour will include shows throughout the United States. Catch this young dread now at a venue near you.

Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley can not, he says, ever remember not performing. Born in 1978 to Bob and Jamaica's former Miss World, Cindy Breakspeare, Damian seems to have been destined for the stage. The youngest of Bob's children, he grew up in the intensely musical atmosphere of his father's Hope Road home. By the age of 13 he had formed a band with the son of Cat Coore from Third World. Calling themselves the Shepherds, the group performed at local venues before taking their act to such big-time events as Reggae Bash '92 and the Sunsplash '92 Bob Marley Tribute. He played the Sting show the same year, then in 1993 played at Sunsplash and toured with the Shabba Ranks World Unity Tour.

Recently Damian has been performing on the same bill with his brother Julian. In 1996 they opened for Ziggy and the Melody Makers, a tour which took them throughout the U.S., Central and South America. His debut album, "Mr. Marley", features the production skills of brother Stephen, and was one of the first projects conceived by the Ghetto Youth International production label.

Released in September 1996, it drew acclaim from both the reggae massive and followers of urban hip-hop culture. Recorded at the newly renovated Marley Music Studio at 56 Hope Road, "Mr. Marley" showcases his unique deejaying style over both "new school" and roots rhythms. A powerful voice for the next generation, Damian has always been closely attuned to the contemporary sounds of Jamaica. As Jr. Gong, he seems more than likely to make that sound heard well beyond the island of his birth.

Ziggy Marley | Stephen Marley | Sharon Marley | Cedella Marley | Julian and Damian Marley