Biography

Junior Marvin (born Donald Hanson Marvin Kerr Richards Jr., June 22, 1949), also known as Junior Marvin-Hanson, Junior Hanson, Junior Kerr, and Julian Junior Marvin, is a Jamaican-born guitarist and singer best known for his association with Bob Marley and The Wailers. He started his career as Junior Hanson with the band Hanson in 1973. Marvin has also been associated with Gass, Keef Hartley Band, Toots & the Maytals and Steve Winwood. Born in Kingston, Surrey County, Jamaica, Marvin moved to London as a child, where his love of both acting and music was nurtured. He appeared in the Beatles' film Help!, which was followed by a number of television appearances. Meanwhile, Marvin served his musical apprenticeship in the United States by playing with those including T-Bone Walker and Ike & Tina Turner. Back in England, he played with bands such as Herbie Goins & the Nighttimers, Blue Ace Unit and White Rabbit.

In 1973, Marvin formed the band Hanson and recorded two albums.

Marvin met Bob Marley on 14 February 1977 and joined Bob Marley and The Wailers.

After the death of Bob Marley in 1981, Marvin along with the remaining Wailers members formed The Wailers Band and released the albums ID, Majestic Warriors, JAH Message, and Live 95–97 My Friends. In 1997, Marvin left The Wailers Band and relocated to Brazil, where he formed a short-lived group, Batuka. Following his departure from Brazil, Marvin worked as a session musician for Kaliroots and The Wailers Band. In 2007, Marvin recorded a solo album titled Wailin' For Love. In 2008, Marvin and guitarist Al Anderson formed The Original Wailers and toured with them until 2011. After leaving the Original Wailers, Marvin returned to solo work. In 2019, Marvin formed The Legendary Wailers.