Junior Marvin

Junior Marvin, also known by several stage names including Junior Marvin-Hanson and Junior Hanson, is a Jamaican-born guitarist and singer best known for his long association with Bob Marley and The Wailers. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, he moved to London as a child, where his interests in both acting and music developed early. As a young performer, he even appeared in the Beatles’ film Help!, and later honed his musical skills in the United States and England, working with artists such as Toots and the Maytals, T-Bone Walker, Ike & Tina Turner, and various rock bands. In the early 1970s, Marvin formed the band Hanson, releasing two albums before the group disbanded in 1974. His distinctive fuzzbox guitar style caught the attention of Bob Marley, whom he met in 1977. Marvin soon joined Bob Marley and The Wailers, where his guitar sound became a defining element of albums such as Exodus. He remained a key member of the band until Marley’s death in 1981, helping shape the global sound that brought reggae to an international audience. After Marley’s passing, Marvin continued with former band members in The Wailers Band, releasing several albums before leaving in 1997. He later lived in Brazil, formed short-lived projects, and worked as a session musician. Marvin released a solo album, Wailin’ For Love, in 2007, co-founded The Original Wailers in 2008, and later returned to solo work. In 2019, he formed The Legendary Wailers, continuing his musical legacy as one of reggae’s most influential guitarists.