By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
May 30, 2003
As a kid living in Jamaica, David Marley was such a big David Bowie fan he was nicknamed “Ziggy” (after Bowie’s alter ego Ziggy Stardust)–a moniker that stuck after he got famous. The son of Bob Marley and the brother-in-law of Lauryn Hill, Grammy-winner Marley, 34, is the recipient of an NAACP Image Award and was a Goodwill Youth Ambassador for the United Nations.
Phoning recently from California, where he was on tour, Marley talked about his father, the wonder of women and his love for Chicago’s Wild Hare.
HERE’S WHAT MARLEY HAD TO SAY:
Forgotten lyrics: The only time I’ll mess up is if my mind is elsewhere, like if somebody plays a wrong note.
Favorite current artists: I like Norah Jones and Ben Harper. There’s a lot of good music out there now.
First thought when someone compliments you: I appreciate it, but I don’t let it go to my head.
Touring: It’s cool. I like being in a new town. I don’t get that nervous vibe anymore.
When things don’t go right: You just deal with it. Last night, the speakers weren’t doing what they were supposed to do.
Audience sing-alongs: I like that the [audience] knows the words and feel a part of what we’re doing.
One voice: When everyone is singing together, even the one person who can’t sing sounds good.
Last good movie you saw: “Anger Management” was really funny.
Favorite genre of books: I don’t read novels. My favorites tend to be spiritual.
Ziggy the author: I wrote a book just for myself. I’d never publish it, though. I might try writing another one for the public one day. I have a lot of ideas.
Best advice you’ve received: Honestly, it comes from inside. I follow my conscience and feel the music.
“American Idol”: I don’t watch any of those shows regularly, but it’s kind of cool that they give [an opportunity to] talented people who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to express themselves.
Your favorite TV show: None. I don’t watch a lot of TV.
Coolest thing about being you: I’ve got a lot of love.
A must-do in Chicago: I always go to the Wild Hare. I never miss it. I love that spot.
Favorite food: I love it all. There’s a really nice Ethiopian restaurant by the Wild Hare.
Cooking–evil or good: Good! I can cook. You have to to be independent.
Culinary speciality: I make really good fish.
On giving fans advice: When people ask my point of view, I’ll share as much as I can.
Talking about dad: I’m not all about me, me, me and won’t not talk about my father. He was a great man and a great artist.
On being compared to Bob Marley: It’s a compliment, but there was only one Bob Marley.
Favorite Bob Marley song: You’d have to give me time to think of them. I love them all.
Favorite thing about women: I love that they’re nurturers. The sensitivity and emotional freedom that [women] have is great, too.
Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii. Yah, mon. It’s beautiful.
Set lists: I never prepare one. I figure out what I’m going to perform once I get there.
Your shows: I hope that each one is a different experience, not just for me but for the fans.
Final words: Love each other.
