THE Legacy of Bob Marley, an event organised by the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Grammy Museum, takes place Sunday in the Kennedy Center’s Concert Hall in Washington DC.

Artistes including David Hinds of Steel Pulse, Speech of Arrested Development, Jacob Hemphill and Trevor Young of SOJA and former Wailers guitarist Junior Marvin, will perform during the 2 1/2-hour concert.

MARLEY… remains one of the most important and influential artists of the 20th century

They will be backed by the Roots Radics Band.

Marvin, who played in Marley’s band from 1977 to his final tour in 1980, is the show’s musical director. He will also play alongside the Roots Radics on the 16 songs scheduled.

“The Kennedy Center and the Grammy Museum feels that the contemporary society needs to hear and know more about the story behind Jamaican music and Bob Marley’s perfect fusion of musician and messenger, that is an inspiration to be shared in Washington DC, the United States and the world,” Marvin told Splash.

Over the years, the Kennedy Center has honoured noted pop musicians such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, Barbra Streisand and actors including Dustin Hoffman.

Marley, who died in May 1981 at age 36, achieved superstar status during the 1970s when roots-reggae took off internationally.