Interview: Lee Jaffe of The Wailers on Bob Marley, Producing ”Legalize It” & The Rise of Reggae in the 1970’s

In this episode of LEGENDS: Podcast by All Day Vinyl, host Scott Dudelson sits down with multifaceted artist Lee Jaffe — close friend & former member of Bob Marley & The Wailers, producer of Peter Tosh’s groundbreaking album "Legalize It" and renowned visual artist.

Lee Jaffe takes us from his roots growing up in New York and the path that led him to a close friendship and working relationship with Bob Marley.

Our chat dives into this incredible journey  — attending the premiere of Jimmy Cliff's "Harder They Come" with Chris Blackwell, traveling the USA and Jamaica with The Wailers, recording harmonica on Bob Marley's Natty Dread album, taking iconic photos of the reggae legends of the 1970's and witnessing firsthand the creative magic and global rise of Reggae. He shares rare, behind-the-scenes stories from the studio, on the stage and unforgettable moments on the road with Bob Marley & The Wailers. 

Lee Jaffe also reveals how his close friendship with Marley and Tosh led to his role producing and taking the cover photo for Peter Tosh's legendary Legalize It album— and the unbelievable marijuana smuggling operation that helped fund the album’s creation.

Beyond reggae, he reflects on working with visionary artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and his latest book, Hit Me With Music: Roots, Rock, and Reggae, which captures these legendary moments through art and photography.

Lee Jaffee is an incredible storyteller with incredible stories and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it.