43
The Wailers to perform ‘Legends’ in its entirety
By John Benson
For the better part of the past quarter of a century, obligatory listening to incoming freshmen on college campuses around the globe has invariably been Bob Marley & the Wailers’ multi-platinum greatest-hits album “Legend.”
Take one walk around any college quad these days and odds are you’ll hear the likes of “Stir It Up,” “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Get Up, Stand Up,” “Redemption Song” and “Buffalo Soldier” emanating from laptops and ear buds.
Such was the case for Wailers singer Dwayne “Danglin” Anglin, who as a child growing up in Jamaica was introduced to the music of the island’s iconic musician from an early age.
“The first time I heard ‘Legend’ was probably around 1990,” said Anglin, calling from Gainesville, Fla. “It just became a part of my culture. In Jamaica, you heard Bob Marley music all of the time. The music in Jamaica is the most cherished thing. That just became one of our most cherished musical collections.”
In celebration of what would have been Marley’s 70th birthday, the Wailers are playing “Legend” in its entirety during its current tour, which includes a Saturday show at the Kent Stage.
The history of the Wailers dates back to 1969 when Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh recruited the Barrett brothers — bassist Aston “Family Man” and drummer Carly — to create a band inspired by the Rastafari movement. Eventually, the band’s success grew far beyond Jamaica and into a global sensation.
In England alone, Marley and the Wailers scored more than 20 hits, including seven top-10 tunes. After Marley’s death in 1981, the act stayed together. Over the decades, the outfit has performed with Sting, The Fugees, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Alpha Blondy and Burning Spear.
Estimates suggest the Wailers have performed in front of more than 24 million people with global record sales of more than 250 million records.
As for Anglin joining The Wailers in 2010, the New Jersey resident was an aspiring reggae singer who had just released his first single in Jamaica. That’s when he received a call that changed his life.
“I think Family Man, the original Wailers bass player, knows what he’s looking for having been there from the beginning,” Anglin said. “So, apparently, he saw something in me that could carry on the legacy in some way. Being in the group five years, I guess I’m doing something right.
“I guess his instincts were right in choosing me for this job. It’s an honor and a privilege to be here, and I’m hoping I’ll be around for as long as they need me.”
Naturally, Anglin is filling some pretty big shoes (or dreadlocks). When asked what he thought the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer would think about his current situation, Anglin said the “Three Little Birds” artist provided such answers in his music.
“It’s just positive vibrations, and everything good comes from that,” Anglin said. “I feel like his music was all about unity and love. If we all just think positive, there’s no jealousy and there’s no envy. That’s what keeps the music alive. It’s the message in the music — just be positive.”