Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers “Tomorrow People” b/w “We A Guh Some Weh” 1988. Today, October 17th, is Ziggy Marley’s birthday (b. David Nesta Marley, 1968). Son of reggae legend Bob Marley, Ziggy got his nickname from his dad – it means “little spliff” – but he reworked the story later, stating Ziggy came from his love of David Bowie (it always comes back to Bowie for everyone, doesn’t it?!).

“Tomorrow People” appears on Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers’ third album, Conscious Party, which won a Grammy for Best Reggae album in 1989. Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth produced the record; Weymouth also provided background vocals and Heads’ Jerry Harrison played organ. “Tomorrow People” peaked at #39 on the US charts and VH1 rated it at #85 on its Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 80′s (even though a second single from Conscious Party, “Tumblin’ Down,” also charted in ‘88). I’m not sure that I ever heard “Tomorrow People” on the radio in ‘88 but I heard the song a lot that year because my friend Jim included it on a truly bizarre mix tape which featured, among others, Peter Frampton, The Ramones, Sinead O’Connor and Pink Floyd. Even my mix tapes were never that weird.