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I-Threes Biography

i-threes

The I-Threes were the most influential female singing group in the history of Jamaican music. A trio featuring Marcia Griffiths, Rita Marley, and Judy Mowatt, the I-Threes provided the rich harmonies for Bob Marley's performances and recordings from 1974 until his death ten years later. Marcia Griffith was already a star when the I-Threes came together. Her duet recordings with Bob Andy, which included "Young, Gifted and Black," had brought her international attention. When she invited Mowatt, who had previously sung with the Gaylettes, and Marley to harmonize with her on a recording with Andy, she set the stage for the trio's formation. The recording session proved so inspiring that she invited the two women to be guests on a song that she and Andy were scheduled to perform that evening at the House of Chen in New Kingston. Shortly after the departure of Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston from the Wailers, Bob Marley asked the three women to sing on his recording, Jah Live. They continued to work together for the next ten years. In early 1975, the I-Threes joined Marley for a tour as opening act for the Jackson Five. Although they continued to perform together following Marley's death, the three women soon elected to pursue solo careers. ~ Craig Harris, Rovi

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