In honour of Reggae Month, renowned singer Dr Carlene Davis is reflecting on her 32-year-old album titled Songs of Bob Marley by Carlene Davis.

The 12-track project is available on Tuff Gong International.

“Bob was such a gifted songwriter and it’s always about the song. The amazing thing is, from back in the day, everyone in my circle was inspired by Bob Marley’s music. Even as a child you would hear a song like
Simmer Down, and when I was old enough to recognise [I came to realise] that this was the voice of Bob Marley. During my early years in Canada his music was always a part of my repertoire. Years later I would meet Tommy Cowan, who knew Bob from those early years when they all hung out on the corner honing their craft waiting for that big break and working with him until his passing. Tommy and I decided to do this project out of pure love,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

The album featured renditions of Marley classics such as So Much Trouble In The World, Three Little Birds, Waiting In Vain, and Redemption Song.

Davis’s husband, Tommy Cowan, knew and worked closely with Marley on and off the stage. He has gained his own acclaim in the music industry as one of the key producers of the famous Zimbabwe Independence Concert in 1980.

“Tommy said one thing that stands out: While on tour with Bob, he was always amazed that he was always the last to go to bed and the first to get up and be on the bus. Which speaks of Bob’s commitment and discipline to his calling. He led from the front,” Davis shared when quizzed about the most notable memories that her husband has of the King of Reggae.

She also reasoned that the body of work and Marley’s overall messages still maintain societal relevance.

“The songs are timeless, the more things change the more they remain the same, So Much Trouble In The World, whilst at the same time we have to know that we are all created with a purpose as is our music called reggae,” she said.

Davis’s discography includes standout albums such as Paradise (produced by Olivia “Babsy” Grange),
Yesterday Today Forever, Taking Control, Carlene Davis (Dial My Number), No Bias, Songs of Freedom, Echoes of Love, among many others.

Memorable chart-topping singles from these albums include Going Down to Paradise, It Must Be Love, Like Old Friends Do, Winnie Mandela, Welcome Home Mr Mandela.

Meanwhile, Davis recently emerged as the winner of the ‘Tune vs Tune’ competition on SILK Radio in the UK against J C Lodge. She noted that it was a testament of her diverse catalogue.

“This took place on December 7, 2024. Let me not blow my own horn. There was a panel and the public also called in to vote, and what we learned from their observation of the show is the quality, extent, and consistency of the body of work over the years, not only in vocal ability, but the substance of my music and catalogue which covers lovers’ rock, the message — songs of freedom — in particular those in the fight against apartheid and, of course, the message of salvation through the gospel and God’s calling on my life,” she said.

The singer will release a new album titled Songs of Zion on February 28 through VPal and various streaming platforms.