One of the best songs by The Wailers (the group that launched the music careers of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh) is actually an American-styled R&B song. Although many probably don't know, the Wailers and Bob Marley got their career started by playing covers of American R&B and doo wop while simultaneously performing in the ska style of early 1960s Jamaican pop.
One of their songs, "It Hurts To Be Alone," is a clever remake of "I'm So Proud" by The Impressions (Curtis Mayfield started here). The Wailers' version of the song features great guitar playing and vocals, although The Impressions are overall better singers. Listen!
The Impressions' original song features typical soul syncopation and doo wop-influenced singing. And a nice horn section as well. Chicago soul right here.
The Wailers' "It Hurts To Be Alone" might not even be recognized as a clever remake due to the prominence of the guitar in this song. It's amazing to hear these Jamaican musicians play in a style that has no identifiable Jamaican qualities. Beautiful jazzy guitar playing as well.
Bob Marley and the Wailers would also interpolate elements of The Impressions' "People Get Ready" for Marley's "One Love." Listen and you will see that Marley and the Wailers were huge fans of Curtis Mayfield, who composed many hits for the Impressions in the 1960s.
The Impressions
The evolution of Marley's "One Love," each version showing how he was influenced by Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready."
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