Judy Mowatt reflects: Life as an I-Three

Cecelia Campbell-Livingston

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Bob Marley and the Wailers achieved international stardom, and right up there with them was one of the most influential female singing groups — The I-Three comprising Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths.

The group became famous providing rich harmonies for Bob Marley's performances and recordings from 1974 until his death 10 years later.

Judy Mowatt shares with Sunday Observer her thoughts on being with the group and sharing the stage with Bob.

Looking back now Judy Mowatt is of the opinion that being a part of the I-Three must have been ordained by God. The singer summed up the 'long story' by saying the day she linked up with her favourite singers Rita and Marcia proved that "dreams really come true".

The realisation of her dream took place in 1971 when Studio One's Coxsone Dodd invited her to sing background with two other persons.

"I had no idea it would be Rita Marley and Marcia Griffiths," she recalled. After the session Marcia issued the invitation for Rita and herself to sing a song with her at a performance she was giving at The House Of Chen Night Club, which was located on Knutsford Boulevard in New Kingston.

Suffice it to say, that performance made the entertainment news and also got the attention of Bob Marley who invited them to sing background vocals on his Natty Dread album.

It wasn't long before the I-Three was the official backing vocalists for Bob Marley and the Wailers. The rest is history as far as their involvement with the group is concerned, but for Mowatt there are memories that she will forever cherish.

Recounting one of her favourite moments with the I-Three, Mowatt says the fact is that they enjoyed each other's company so much, noting that they were 'fitness gurus' back then.

"We were engaged in physical exercise. That was a part of our lives to ensure optimum fitness on stage. While we were on tour, as we arrived at a hotel the first thing we would be inquiring about, is the nearest park for running. Those days we didn't walk we ran," Mowatt recalled.

Another fun memory is the way they would pass the boredom away while taking their long journey to one of their gigs.

"Driving from state to state can be a long drawn out exercise. We would sing for hours on the bus. Our favourite songs were recorded by the female group Sweet Inspirations or the Supremes or we would sing some gospel favourites," Mowatt shared adding that they didn't have to worry about music as Bob and the Wailers would effectively provide that by using the tables or the chair foot as musical instruments to keep the beat.

Speaking of the late icon, Mowatt says it was a joy to work with Bob. "It meant one would have to maintain a certain standard and discipline. Bob was serious when it comes on to his music. We would be rehearsing even when there was no concert," Mowatt said.

Such rigourous work produced a comfort and relaxation on any stage, it would be as if you were in your own backyard singing.

Today, Mowatt is grateful for the experience of being a part of the I-Three and getting the chance to work with the Reggae great. She describes this experience as "spiritual".

"If you notice in most of Bob songs especially in the early days, Bob would sing about the Lord. Songs like: Lord I've Got To Keep On Moving, Thank You Lord, just to name a few.

"Bob never left his Bible. He would take it in the studio, while recording to add Bible quotations to his song. That was inspiration for me, to say what God says to his people."

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Judy Mowatt reflects: Life as an I-Three