Released 1978 Genre Reggae Label Tuff Gong Island | Recorded 1977-1978 Length 4:58 Writer(s) Bob Marley | |
"Sun Is Shining" is a song by Bob Marley & The Wailers first appearing on the Lee Perry-produced album Soul Revolution in 1971, and then on African Herbsman in 1973. Marley later re-recorded the song for his 1978 album Kaya. In 1999 a reggae fusion remix by "Bob Marley vs. Funkstar De Luxe" reached number one on the U.S. dance chart and number three on the UK Singles Chart and has been widely credited as one of the songs which led to the popularity of reggae fusion.
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Although having become one of the most popular Marley songs, "Sun Is Shining" used to be a fairly unknown and seldomly-performed number during Marley's lifetime. Up to date, only two live performances are documented, however both took place under special circumstances. On June 16, 1978, Marley performed at The Music Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts, a concert having been rescheduled twice since 1976, and played an over 2-hour set. "Sun Is Shining" was the opening song, reportedly included spontaneously as it stopped to rain. On July 23, 1978, Marley performed an outdoor concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl that included "Sun Is Shining" as opening song; just before the song, Marley introduced the performance by referring to Haile Selassie's birthday on the same day.
The song "Sunday Shining" by Finley Quaye is partially based on the song.
Bob Marley vs. Funkstar De Luxe version
The song was remixed in 1999 by Danish house producer Funkstar De Luxe. It was released on the Kontor Records-sub label, Club Tools credited to Bob Marley vs. Funkstar De Luxe. The producer was the first to receive clearance from the Marley estate to release official remixes of the late singer's music (although bootleg mixes of Marley tunes have circulated in the club world for years).
The song reached number one on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart, and debuted at number three on the UK Singles Chart. It became a top ten hit in Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Track listing
- "Sun Is Shining" (Radio De Luxe Edit) - 3:59
- "Sun Is Shining" (ATB Airplay Mix) - 3:48
- "Sun Is Shining" (Rainbow Mix) - 6:03
- "Sun Is Shining" (ATB Club Mix) - 6:55
- "Sun Is Shining" (Funkstar Club Mix) - 8:14