Branding the Firebrand

30 Jan Branding the Firebrand

Branding the Firebrand: How Peter Tosh’s Estate Is Revitalizing An Iconic Reggae Artist’s Legacy
By Patricia Meschino | December 07, 2012 12:58 PM EST
Billboard.com

Peter Tosh’s groundbreaking achievements in taking reggae to the mainstream are remarkable: A founding member of legendary Jamaican super group The Wailers (alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer in 1962), Tosh co-wrote the group’s timeless global anthem “Get Up Stand Up;” opened up for the Rolling Stones’ on their “Some Girls” tour; was the first reggae artist to play “Saturday Night Live;” had one of MTV’s earliest reggae videos; and won a Best Reggae Album Grammy. And yet, to most people, Tosh’s career accomplishments are nearly forgotten by all but roots reggae’s most ardent followers.

Through the diligence of his children and former manager Herbie Miller, however, Tosh’s contributions are beginning to be recognized. For example, he recently received one of Jamaica’s highest distinctions: The Order of Merit which was bestowed upon the deceased singer at an official government ceremony on Oct. 15 (Heroes Day, a national holiday) 25 years after he was murdered at his Kingston home on September 11, 1987, at age 42.

Full article: Billboard.com

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