Junior Marvin

Not to be confused with Junior Murvin.

Donald Hanson Marvin Kerr Richards Jr.
Junior Marvin in Santa Monica (2007)
Background information
Also known asJunior Hanson, Junior Kerr, Julian Junior Marvin
Born (1949-06-22) June 22, 1949
Kingston, Surrey County, Jamaica
Genres
OccupationMusician
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active1969–present
Labels
Member of
  • The Legendary Wailers
Formerly of
WebsiteOfficial website

Junior Marvin also known as Junior Marvin-Hanson, Junior Hanson, Junior Kerr, and Julian Junior Marvin,[1] is a Jamaican-born guitarist and singer best known for his association with Bob Marley and The Wailers. He started his career working with artists such as T-Bone Walker and as Junior Hanson when he formed the band Hanson in 1973. Marvin has also been associated with Gass[1] and others such as Steve Winwood.[2]

Early life

Born in Kingston, Surrey County, Jamaica, Marvin moved to London as a child where his love of both acting and music was nurtured.

Career

Early years

Marvin appeared in the Beatles' film Help! as a child actor. He served his musical apprenticeship in USA by playing with artists including Toots and the Maytals, T-Bone Walker and Ike & Tina Turner. He later moved to England and played with the Keef Hartley band and the White Rabbit band.[3][2]

Hanson and Bob Marley

In 1973, he formed the band Hanson and recorded two albums.[4] after the second album Magic Dragon (1974) they disbanded.[5] Marvin used a fuzzbox guitar effect when recording with the band and in session work. This sound and his prowess as a guitarist was noticed by The Wailers. He met Bob Marley on 14 February 1977.[1] His use of this effect became an integral part of the Bob Marley and the Wailers’ sound on songs from their album Exodus and later songs, after he joined them.[6][7] Hanson played as a member of Bob Marley and the Wailers until Marley's death in 1981.[8]

Stevie Wonder, Wailer bands and other associations

Marvin turned down a ten year deal to work with Stevie Wonder at the same time he joined Bob Marley and the Wailers.[2] After Marley’a death and along with the remaining Wailers members he formed The Wailers Band and they released the albums ID, Majestic Warriors, JAH Message and Live 95–97 My Friends. In 1997, Marvin left The Wailers Band and relocated to Brazil where he formed the short lived group Batuka.[9] Following his return from Brazil, Marvin worked as a session musician for Kaliroots and The Wailers Band.

In 2007, Marvin recorded a solo album titled Wailin' For Love. During 2008, Marvin and guitarist Al Anderson formed The Original Wailers and toured with them until 2011. After leaving the Original Wailers Marvin returned to solo work and in 2019 he formed The Legendary Wailers.

Band membership

Discography

As a session musician

Bob Marley

Wailers Band

Solo albums

  • Wailin' For Love (2007)
  • Smokin' to the Big M Music (2013)
  • Lion to Zion-Dub Wise (2013)

Videos


References

  1. ^ a b c Moskowitz, David (2007). The Words and Music of Bob Marley. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 76,78. ISBN 9780313065224.
  2. ^ a b c Daly, Andrew (22 July 2024). "Interview with Junior Marvin". Guitarist. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  3. ^ Daly, Andrew (14 January 2025). "Junior Marvin on Bob Marley and Exodus". Guitar Player. Retrieved 20 January 2026.
  4. ^ "Hanson (Junior Marvin)". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 May 2009.
  5. ^ Joynson, Vernon (1996). The Tapestry of Delights – The Comprehensive Guide to British Music of the Beat, R&B, Psychedelic and Progressive Eras. Borderline. ISBN 978-1-899855-04-9.
  6. ^ "Wailing Blues. The Story of Bob Marley's Wailers". googlebooks.com. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
  7. ^ "Roger Mayer history". rogermayer.co.uk. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
  8. ^ "The Rastafarians". Beacon press via Googe books. 2010. p. 216. ISBN 9780807097052. Retrieved 17 January 2026.
  9. ^ Anderson, Rick. "Junior Marvin biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 3 May 2009.

Further reading

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