RONNIE DAVIS’S RARE BOB MARLEY COVER SURFACES AFTER HALF A CENTURY
A pristine recording has emerged from Jamaica’s musical archives. Ronnie Davis’s soulful cover of Bob Marley’s Sun Is Shining lay preserved for nearly five decades. Backed by The Aggrovators and produced by Bunny “Striker” Lee, the track awaited Prince Fatty’s studio touch. Now it reaches listeners’ ears.
The recording dates back to the 1970s. Producer Bunny Lee captured Davis’s vocal performance on multi-track tape. Prince Jammy mixed the instrumental into Jammys A Shine, a popular dub version. The vocals, however, awaited their moment.
Prince Fatty has now brought this treasure to light. His characteristic studio wizardry showcases Davis’s performance beautifully. This follows his 2023 Dub Is Shining remix for the Prince Fatty Meets The Gorgon In Dub album.
FIFTY YEARS IN THE VAULT, WORTH EVERY MOMENT OF THE WAIT
Davis, who lived from 1950 to 2017, was among Jamaica’s most cherished voices. The rocksteady pioneer gained fame with The Tennors before joining The Itals. Throughout the seventies, he ranked among Bunny Lee’s most sought-after vocalists.
This discovery serves as both an archaeological find and fitting tribute. Davis’s interpretation of Marley’s anthem claims its rightful place in reggae history. His voice shines bright at last.
ABOUT RONNIE DAVIS
Ronnie Davis shaped rocksteady’s harmony sound with The Tennors before joining The Itals’ devotional trio. Throughout the 1970s, he recorded essential work for Bunny Lee and Lloyd Campbell, including Hard Times, while collaborating with Sly & Robbie and Channel One.
The Itals’ Grammy-nominated Rasta Philosophy brought wider recognition. His 2013 Iyahcoustic album stripped classics to acoustic bones, revealing pure voice and spirit across five decades.
