By GERMAINE SMITH, Staff ReporterLINNETH 'MARCIA' GRIFFITHS got some of the most tear-jerking and heart-warming tributes on Tuesday in celebration of her 40 years in the music business.
The Hilton Hotel in New Kingston was awash with laughter, comedy, and spirituality all at once as the nation threw several accolades on to the woman dubbed the 'Reggae Queen'.
She even said it herself. "It is so wonderful to sit when you are alive and hear people say so many good things about you," she noted. "Usually it is only at funerals that you hear these things, but I am here... give me the flowers when I am alive because I can not read the tombstone when I am gone."
The event, titled 'I Shall Sing... Her Story Unfolds' was the official launch of what is to be a year's worth of celebrations for her milestone. Similar to her music, which has crossed the boundaries of race and class, Marcia's media launch welcomed people from contrasting backgrounds.
There were tour managers, band members, promoters, and scores of people she has worked with over the years. From the political arena special greetings were given by Opposition Leader The Rt. Hon. Edward Seaga, and Senator Delano Franklyn. Cedella Booker, mother of Bob Marley, was present as well, while fellow I-Threes singer Judy Mowatt serenaded Marcia in song, just before other tributes were given by Copeland Forbes, and Desmond Young of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, among others.
Project Manager for the launch, Andrea Davis, said that for the rest of 2004, other special events will be planned to mark Marcia's 40 years in music.
Among them are tours of the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. Two albums are scheduled to be released as well, Shining Time and Anthology. Added to these will be special ceremonies and dinners as the year goes by.
To close the ceremony, Marcia performed her single Shining Time, which she said was written by Yogie. Her voice resonated with strength and melody across the entire ballroom, and the standing ovation she got was enough evidence of the appreciation the audience had for her.
