"The Recording Academy announced the newest additions to its GRAMMY Hall Of Fame, adding 25 recordings to a timeless list that now includes 851 titles. The Hall Of Fame serves as a celebration and reminder of the triumphs and achievements of the recording arts."

"This year's GRAMMY Hall Of Fame inductees highlight a diverse array of masterpiece recordings that have had a profound impact on our musical history," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "The selections are timeless staples that span six decades and represent a wide range of genres from comedy to rock, reggae, jazz, and R&B. They all greatly deserve to be memorialized."

Quote: "Although he is the son of music royalty, Ky-Mani Marley says life has not always been a bed of roses. The 33-year-old singer/actor tells his story in Dear Dad, his autobiography to be released February 6."

Please click here to read full article.

Join Nas, Damian Marley, and a panel of luminaries from the hip hop, reggae, and African music worlds in a fascinating discussion of the roots of hip hop.

Please click here to read more.

Unlike his other brothers — particularly Damian, whose song "Welcome to Jamrock" was an international hit in 2005 — Julian has always kept a low profile, shying away from the press. Still, he realizes the need to differentiate his own career from that of his brothers. His music is, basically, more organic and immediately soulful. There is not an ounce of the dancehall vibes that the younger Damian perfects, nor his older brother Stephen's borderline pop-rock sound. Julian, instead, specializes in a hybrid of jazz, R&B, soul, and hip-hop, fused with the classic roots reggae that his father made so popular.

In fact, some have called his style the best approximation of what Bob's would have sounded like if he were alive today. That's serious praise, and it almost gives Julian pause. "I wouldn't necessarily say that creating good songs is an easy process," he says. "Each song is so different, but then again, I am blessed with the knowledge that I have from growing up in such a musical family."

Please click here to read full article.

In Brief...

Matty Powell submitted this for "Cover Fridays", but we wanted to highlight the special performance. This was made at Los Pipitos School in Nicaragua, and includes contributions from some of the school's students.

The Full Story

Question to Matty: How did you end up singing in a school in Nicaragua?

Matty's answer:

"I drove down to Central America from Canada in a VW Bus in the fall of 2008. My aim was Nicaragua to help with a project [Casa Llanta], building a sustainable house out of tires, bottles and other human waste.

We had the idea of throwing a music festival [Earthship Pitaya Festival] near where the house was being built, with all the proceeds going back into the local community for infrastructure projects. The type of house I was helping build is called an Earthship, I believe there is actually one in Jamaica as well. So we ended up throwing this music festival and it was a giant success with independent bands from Canada, U.S. and of course Nicaragua.

The next day after the festival we organized a trip to the disabled school [Los Pipitos School] with instruments to give them a little show of their own. I was the headlining act for the festival and facilitated all of the music at the school. We also planted trees and had lunch with the kids. I am a huge fan not only of Bob Marley's music but his dedication to peace love and unity in Jamaica and beyond, so I thought I would share that message to these kids through his music. Though some of them can't speak or walk, the absolute joy on their faces was unmistakeable. It almost brought a tear to my eye."

Thank you to Matty for sharing his video (shot by David Kalani Larkins) and story, and of course, for including the music of Bob Marley in his experience.

Julian's Awake tour will conclude at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami and include his brothers Stephen AND Damian!

Please click here for tickets and info!

Band: HERE II HERE. Please send suggestions for Cover Fridays to marleysites@gmail.com.

Off his latest album, "Family Time"! Please Enjoy!

Click on picture to check out a collection of images. Thanks to Drew for sharing!