March 28, 2005

Bob Marley expert to share
knowledge with campus

Reggae archivist and media personality Roger Steffens is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on reggae legend Bob Marley. In commemoration of the late musician’s 60th birthday, Steffens will give a lecture and multimedia presentation about Marley’s life at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27 in the University Union Ballroom at Sacramento State. The presentation will include previously unreleased film and video clips of Marley, including a rare documentary of the musician playing in New Zealand.

Bob Marley expert Roger Steffens

Steffens had the opportunity to meet Marley backstage in 1978 in Santa Cruz. A year later he accompanied the musician on his “Survival” tour through California and the two became friends. His ongoing experiences with Marley allowed him to build an impressive body of knowledge and memorabilia related to Marley. He has written several books about the musician including Bob Marley: Spirit Dancer, which he produced with photographer Bruce Talamon.

Steffens is an advocate for Jamaican culture and was recently quoted in an article by the Associated Press discussing Rita Marley’s plans to move her husband’s remains from Jamaica to Ethiopia. Steffens’ famous Reggae Archives—including more than 250,000 reggae records—were recently sold to the Jamaican government and will be part of the National Museum of Jamaican Music.

Steffens’ knowledge of reggae led him to found The Beat, a reggae magazine, in 1983. He has also written for Spin, BAM, Rolling Stone, Musician, The New York Times and The Village Voice. He hosts his own Los Angeles radio show, Reggae Beat, and has been chairman of the Reggae Grammy Committee since its inception 14 years ago.

For more information, contact (916) 278-6997. For media assistance, contact public affairs at (916) 278-6156.

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