Marcia Griffiths

Marcia Griffiths

Also known as: Marcia

Marcia Llyneth Griffiths (born 23 November 1949) is a Jamaican singer best known for the 1989 remix of her single "Electric Boogie", which serves as the music for the four-wall "Electric Slide" line dance. It is the best-selling single of all time by a female reggae singer. She has been referred to as the "Queen of Reggae".

Biography
Born in West Kingston, Jamaica, Griffiths started her career in 1964, performing on stage with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires at the behest of Phillip James of The Blues Busters, who had heard her singing in her neighbourhood. Her performance was sufficiently impressive that the following day Ronnie Nasralla and Clement Dodd both offered her recording contracts. She chose to record for Dodd's Studio One label, where she recorded a series of duets with male singers such as Tony Gregory ("You're Mine"), Bob Marley ("Oh My Darling"), Jeff Dixon ("Words"), and Bob Andy ("Always Together"), with whom she would have a relationship lasting several years. In 1968, she had her first success as a solo artist, with "Feel Like Jumping", which like her other early Studio One solo hits (including "Truly" and "Melody Life"), were written by Andy. From 1970 to 1974, she worked with Bob Andy as a duo (Bob and Marcia), on the Harry J label. She also recorded for Lloyd Charmers. Between 1974 and 1981, she was a member of the I Threes, a trio of backing singers that supported Bob Marley & the Wailers. She continued to record as a solo artist throughout the 1970s, working with producers such as Sonia Pottinger, and Joseph Hoo Kim. In December 1982, Griffiths released the song 'Electric Boogie,' written exclusively for her by Bunny Wailer. The song came about after Wailer and Griffiths experimented with a rhythm box that Griffiths had purchased in Toronto earlier that year. Wailer noted that 'Electric Boogie' was inspired by 'Electric Avenue' by Eddy Grant, also released in 1982. In the first few months of 1983, the song reached the top of the charts in Jamaica. Although the 1983 version became a minor hit for Griffiths, the song was remixed in 1989, and that version made the Electric Slide, a line dance, an international dance craze. It reached number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100, her most successful single. It is currently the highest-selling single by a female reggae singer of all time. She had further hits with producer Donovan Germain. Griffiths was featured on the album True Love by Toots and the Maytals, which won the Grammy Award in 2004 for Best Reggae Album, and showcased many notable musicians including Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Trey Anastasio, Gwen Stefani / No Doubt, Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Manu Chao, The Roots, Ryan Adams, Keith Richards, Toots Hibbert, Paul Douglas, Jackie Jackson, Ken Boothe, and The Skatalites. Griffiths appeared in the 2011 documentary Reggae Got Soul: The Story of Toots and the Maytals, which was featured on BBC and described as "The untold story of one of the most influential artists ever to come out of Jamaica". A Brazilian documentary film about Griffiths, Reggae Meets Samba, was in production as of December 2013. In January 2014, she announced that as part of her fiftieth year in the music business, she would release an album of her favorite songs by other artists, Songs That Inspire Me, Songs I Love to Sing, recorded with Germain. In January 2018, Griffiths signed an exclusive booking deal with New York-based Donsome Records' booking agency.

Personal life
Griffiths had two children with JBC disc jockey Errol Thompson, and raised them alone after his death in 1983.

Honors
In August 2014, it was announced that Griffiths would receive the Jamaican Order of Distinction (Commander class) in October that year. In October 2023, Griffiths was conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ) Jamaica's fourth-highest national honour.

Compilations (4)

Credits & Appearances (36)

Musicians
Backing Vocals 20
Artist Album Release Type Label Rec Rel
Build Me Up Brent Dowe Build Me Up TRLS 76 LP Trojan 1973 1973
Here I Am Baby Al Brown Here I Am Baby TRLS 99 LP Trojan 1974 1974
War Ina Babylon Max Romeo War Ina Babylon CD Charmax 1976
Blood Brothers Ken Boothe Blood Brothers PKCD 080896 CD K&K 1976
When I Need You Janett Silvera When I Need You LP 381 LP Wildflower 1977 1977
Gold Connection Harold Butler Gold Connection LP 3 LP Charmers 1978 1978
Progress Big Youth Progress DSR 7146 LP Nichola Delita 1979 1979
Reggae For Lovers Ken Boothe Reggae For Lovers LP Mountain 1979 1980
Aux Armes Et Caetera Serge Gainsbourg Aux Armes Et Caetera LP 910 218 LP Philips 1979 1979
In The Dark Sonya Spence In The Dark SKY LP 10 LP Sky Note 197X 1977
Rastaman In Exile Ras Midas Rastaman In Exile SKE 7023 LP SKEJ 1980 1980
Columbus Ship Little Roy Columbus Ship COP LP 5001 LP Copasetic 1981 1981
Let's Make A Song Beres Hammond Let's Make A Song LP Brotherhood Music Inc. 1981 1981
On Top Leroy Sibbles On Top MICCAN 0052 LP Micron 1982 1982
Spread The Word I Word Spread The Word LP Blank Label 1982 1982
Stand Up Wise Up Ras Midas Stand Up Wise Up CEL 6708 LP Celluloid 1984 1984
Love Songs Are Forever Cynthia Schloss Love Songs Are Forever VPRL 2034 LP VP 1985 1985
Inkarnation Iya Karna With The Wailers Inkarnation CD Rub-A-Dub 1986 2001
Everything To Me Boris Gardiner Everything To Me LP Creole 1986 1986
The Mystery Unfolds Mutabaruka The Mystery Unfolds LP 43037 LP Shanachie 1986 1986
Vocals 9
Artist Album Release Type Label Rec Rel
Pied Piper Bob & Marcia Pied Piper TJACD 044 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2002
Young Gifted And Black Bob Andy & Marcia Griffiths Young Gifted And Black TBL 122 LP Trojan 1970 1970
Pied Piper Bob & Marcia Pied Piper TRLS 26 LP Trojan 1971 1971
Sweet Bitter Love Marcia Griffiths Sweet Bitter Love XYZ 003 LP Wildflower 1974 1974
Sweet Memories Marcia Griffiths & Bob Andy Sweet Memories NTRCD 078 CD Nectar 1976
Kemar Bob Andy & Marcia Griffiths Kemar HJLP 3304 LP Harry J 1977 1977
Naturally Marcia Griffiths Naturally CDSGP 0148 CD Prestige 1978
Play Me Sweet And Nice Marcia Griffiths Play Me Sweet And Nice TJACD 335 CD Trojan 197X 2006
Melody Life Marcia Griffiths Melody Life VPCD 1715 CD VP 197X-9X 2007

Also Appears On (98)

Artist Album Release Type Label Rec Rel
Collector's Edition Various Artists Collector's Edition CDHB 47 CD Heartbeat 1989
Feel Like Jumping Various Artists Feel Like Jumping CDHB 222 CD Heartbeat 2000
Full Up Various Artists Full Up CDHB 302 CD Heartbeat 2006
Reggae In The Grass Various Artists Reggae In The Grass SOL 9007 LP Studio 1
Respect To Studio 1 Various Artists Respect To Studio 1 CDHB 182 CD Heartbeat 1994
Studio 1 Showcase vol 3 Various Artists Studio 1 Showcase vol 3 SOLP 05555 LP Studio 1
Studio One Lovers Various Artists Studio One Lovers SJRCD 116 CD Soul Jazz 2005
Studio One Rockers Various Artists Studio One Rockers SJRCD 048 CD Soul Jazz 2001
Studio One Women Various Artists Studio One Women SJRCD 121 CD Soul Jazz 2005
Studio One Women Vol 2 Various Artists Studio One Women Vol 2 SJRCD 502 CD Soul Jazz 2022
The Best Of Studio One Collection Various Artists The Best Of Studio One Collection CDHB 326 CD Heartbeat 2006
Tougher Than Tough Various Artists Tougher Than Tough IBXCD 1 CD Island 1958-93 1993
This Is Reggae Music Various Artists This Is Reggae Music TJNBX 254 CD Trojan 1960-75 2005
The Legendary Studio One Records Various Artists The Legendary Studio One Records SJRCD 248 CD Soul Jazz 1963-80 2017
The Definitive Collection of Federal Records Various Artists The Definitive Collection of Federal Records VPCD 4163 CD 17 North Parade 1964-82 2010
Jonny Greenwood Is The Controller Various Artists Jonny Greenwood Is The Controller TJCCD 345 CD Trojan 1967-82 2007
Ride Me Donkey Various Artists Ride Me Donkey CSL 8015 LP Coxsone 1968 1968
The Return Of The Liquidator Various Artists The Return Of The Liquidator CDTRD 412 CD Trojan 1968-70 1989
History Of Trojan Records 1968-71 Various Artists History Of Trojan Records 1968-71 CDTAL 700 CD Trojan 1968-71 1995
Touch Me In The Morning Various Artists Touch Me In The Morning CDTRL 337 CD Trojan 1968-74 1994
Young Gifted And Black Various Artists Young Gifted And Black TJDDD 006 CD Trojan 1968-75 2002
Trojan Singles Box Set Various Artists Trojan Singles Box Set TRBCD 012 CD Trojan 1968-78 1999
Reggae Special Various Artists Reggae Special CSP 2 LP Coxsone 1969 1968
Studio One Rocksteady Various Artists Studio One Rocksteady SJRCD 277 CD Soul Jazz 196X 2014
Young, Gifted And Black Vol 2 Various Artists Young, Gifted And Black Vol 2 TJODD 184 CD Trojan 196X-199X 2004
A Tribute To The Beatles Reggae Style Various Artists A Tribute To The Beatles Reggae Style CDTALL 501 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2001
I'm So Proud Various Artists I'm So Proud CDTRL 376 CD Trojan 196X-7X 1997
Monkey Business Various Artists Monkey Business TJDCD 541 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2016
Ska & Reggae Classics Various Artists Ska & Reggae Classics TJTCD 572 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2018
Studio One Ironsides Various Artists Studio One Ironsides SJRCD 260 CD Soul Jazz 196x-7X 2013
The Best Of Reggae Various Artists The Best Of Reggae DBCDX 081 CD Doctor Bird 196X-7X 2022
The Story Of Trojan Records Various Artists The Story Of Trojan Records 2775354 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2011
Trojan Beatles Tribute Box Set Various Artists Trojan Beatles Tribute Box Set TJETD 220 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2004
Trojan Club Reggae Box Set Various Artists Trojan Club Reggae Box Set TRBCD 020 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2000
Trojan Motor City Box Set Various Artists Trojan Motor City Box Set TJETD 309 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2006
Trojan Records Sampler 2002 Various Artists Trojan Records Sampler 2002 TJPCD 001 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2002
Trojan Reggae Chill Out Box Set Various Artists Trojan Reggae Chill Out Box Set TJETD 115 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2003
Trojan Reggae Duets Box Set Various Artists Trojan Reggae Duets Box Set TJETD 093 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2004
Trojan Reggae Sisters Box Set Various Artists Trojan Reggae Sisters Box Set TJETD 073 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2003
Trojan UK Hits Box Set Various Artists Trojan UK Hits Box Set TJETD 010 CD Trojan 196X-7X 2002
Melody Life Various Artists Melody Life SPECXX 2044 CD Trojan 196X-8X 2010
Trojan Legends Box Set Various Artists Trojan Legends Box Set TJETD 271 CD Trojan 196X-9X 2005
Funky Reggae Various Artists Funky Reggae BDLP 206 LP Bamboo 1970 1970
Reggae Chartbusters Vol 2 Various Artists Reggae Chartbusters Vol 2 TBL 147 LP Trojan 1970 1970
Reggae Movement Various Artists Reggae Movement TBL 144 LP Harry J 1970 1970
Reggae Movement Various Artists Reggae Movement TBL 144 LP Harry J 1970 1970
Stay  A Little Bit Longer Delano Stewart Stay A Little Bit Longer DBCDD 066 CD Doctor Bird 1970 2020
Tighten Up Vol 3 Various Artists Tighten Up Vol 3 TBL 145 LP Trojan 1970 1970
Andywork Bob Andy & Various Artists Andywork AV8 CD CD I Anka 1970-74 2002
Reggae Strings Vol 1&2 Johnny Arthey Orchestra & Various Artists Reggae Strings Vol 1&2 DBCDD 063 CD Doctor Bird 1970-74 2020
Hot Shots Reggae Chartbusters '71 Various Artists Hot Shots Reggae Chartbusters '71 LP 85597ZT LP Trojan 1971
Reggae Chartbusters Vol 3 Various Artists Reggae Chartbusters Vol 3 TBL 169 LP Trojan 1971 1971
Original Reggae Greats Various Artists Original Reggae Greats SHM 786 LP Hallmark 1972 1972
Trojan's Greatest Hits Vol 2 Various Artists Trojan's Greatest Hits Vol 2 TBL 190 LP Trojan 1972 1972
History Of Trojan Records 1972-95 Various Artists History Of Trojan Records 1972-95 CDTAL 900 CD Trojan 1972-95 1996
Bad Bad Bad Clive Azul Hunt Bad Bad Bad VPCD 4228 CD 17 North Parade 1973-76 2020
In The Dark & Sings Love Sonia Spence In The Dark & Sings Love DBCDD 048 CD Doctor Bird 1973-80 2019
Original Wild Flower Reggae Hits Various Artists Original Wild Flower Reggae Hits LP 367 LP Wildflower 1974 1974
Club Reggae 1974 Various Artists Club Reggae 1974 TRLS 97 LP Trojan 1975 1975
Creation Rockers Various Artists Creation Rockers TRLS 180-185 LP Trojan 1979 1979
Different Fashion Various Artists Different Fashion DBCDD 072 CD Doctor Bird 1979-81 2021
60's Hits Reggae Style Various Artists 60's Hits Reggae Style CD Castle Pulse 197X 2007
Café Jamaica Various Artists Café Jamaica METRCD 165 CD Union Square Music 197X 2005
DJ Derek Presents... Sweet Memory Sounds Various Artists DJ Derek Presents... Sweet Memory Sounds TJZCD 304 CD Trojan 197X 2006
DJ Spooky Presents Riddim Come Forward Various Artists DJ Spooky Presents Riddim Come Forward TJDDD 334 CD Trojan 197X 2006
Here Comes That Feeling Various Artists Here Comes That Feeling TJDDD 140X CD Trojan 197X 2004
Just My Imagination Vol 3 Various Artists Just My Imagination Vol 3 CDTRL 311 CD Trojan 197X 1992
Let Me Tell You Boy Various Artists Let Me Tell You Boy TJCCD 312 CD Trojan 197X 2006
More Souled On Reggae Various Artists More Souled On Reggae CD Emporio 197X 1996
Original Reggae Greats Vol 2 Various Artists Original Reggae Greats Vol 2 SHM 827 LP Hallmark 197X 1974
Playtime Reggae Various Artists Playtime Reggae CD HF 0008 CD Hi & Fly 197X 2004
Reggae Party Various Artists Reggae Party CD Hallmark 197X
Sounds Of The Seventies Various Artists Sounds Of The Seventies CDTRL 321 CD Trojan 197X 1993
Studio One Dub Vol 2 Various Artists Studio One Dub Vol 2 SJRCD 166 CD Soul Jazz 197X 2007
Studio One Lovers Rock Various Artists Studio One Lovers Rock SJRCD 422 CD Soul Jazz 197X 2018
The Black Album Various Artists The Black Album CDTRL 338 CD Trojan 197X 1994
The Reggae Love Collection Various Artists The Reggae Love Collection CD Pulse 197X 2003
The Reggae Train Various Artists The Reggae Train CDHB 174 CD Heartbeat 197X 1996
Trojan Bob Marley & Friends Box Set Various Artists Trojan Bob Marley & Friends Box Set TJETD 028 CD Trojan 197X 2002
Trojan Lovers Box Set Various Artists Trojan Lovers Box Set TRBCD 005 CD Trojan 197X 1999
Trojan Seventies Box Set Various Artists Trojan Seventies Box Set TJETD 192 CD Trojan 197X 2004
Trojan Singles Collection Various Artists Trojan Singles Collection CDTRL 367 CD Trojan 197X 1996
Trojan Singles Collection Part 2 Various Artists Trojan Singles Collection Part 2 CDTRL 373 CD Trojan 197X 1996
70's Hits Reggae Style Various Artists 70's Hits Reggae Style CD Castle Pulse 197X-8X 2007
Dread Broadcasting Corp. Various Artists Dread Broadcasting Corp. TJDDD 167 CD Trojan 197X-8X 2004
Holding Up Half The Sky Various Artists Holding Up Half The Sky SH 45027 CD Shanachie 197X-8X 1996
Reggae Love Songs Various Artists Reggae Love Songs TDSAN 001 CD Trojan 197X-8X 2003
Trojan Lovers Rock Box Set Various Artists Trojan Lovers Rock Box Set TJETD 292 CD Trojan 197X-8X 2005
Love Is All I Bring Various Artists Love Is All I Bring TJDCD 576 CD Trojan 197X-9X 2019
Reggae Love Songs Vol 2 Various Artists Reggae Love Songs Vol 2 TLSAN 014 CD Trojan 197X-9X 2005
The Kings Of Reggae Various Artists The Kings Of Reggae RR 066-067 LP BBE 197X-9X 2007
Vintage Vocals Volume 2 Various Artists Vintage Vocals Volume 2 CD Upstairs Music 197X-9X 2007
Reggae Impact & Someone Loves You Honey Marcia Aitken & June Lodge Reggae Impact & Someone Loves You Honey DBCDD 116 CD Doctor Bird 1981-82 2022
Clive Hunt Ruff'N'Tuff Various Artists Clive Hunt Ruff'N'Tuff INLP 3 LP Intense 1982 1982
Best Of Studio 1 Various Artists Best Of Studio 1 HB 07 LP Heartbeat 1983 1983
Best Of Studio 1 Various Artists Best Of Studio 1 CDHB 301 CD Heartbeat 1983 2006
Lovers Rock Various Artists Lovers Rock TJTCD 603 CD Trojan 198X 2022
The Ultimate Collection Mutabaruka The Ultimate Collection GRELCD 224 CD Greensleeves 198X 1996
16 albums
36 credits
30 labels
1970 - 2007