Marcia singing to her fans
Marcia Aitken
December 24, 2023
Marcia Aitken journey from a high school student to becoming a successful reggae singer with chart-topping hits is quite remarkable. She was born 1956 in Hannah Town, West Kingston, Jamaica. The young songbird entered the music industry while still a student at Excelsior High School. Blessed with the gift of singing, she joined Lloyd Parks & We the People Band after he noticed her singing at a school concert. Aitken immediately started recording for “the mighty two”, Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson. Concentrating on lovers rock, she gained fame in 1977 with her rendition of Alton Ellis’s “I’m Still in Love With You,” which became a number one hit in Jamaica and the UK and US reggae charts. The following year Marcia achieved another Jamaican number one single in 1978 with “My Man,” collaboration with Trinity. She also recorded songs by Ansel Cridland of The Meditations, including “Narrow Minded Man”, a response to The Meditations’ hit “Woman is Like a Shadow”. Marcia quickly stamped her name in the music industry and recorded the album “Reggae Impact”, produced by Joe Gibbs and Willie Lindo. Her popularity got her a spot on the Jamaican television show “Where It’s At” (an Island version of Soul Train in the U.S.)
Aitken completed high school in 1981 and later decided to take a break from music. She migrated to Brooklyn in 1985 and opened the Norstrand Eatery with her husband. In the later years she studied Business Management and eventually worked as a nurse for over twenty years. It’s interesting to note how she transitioned from the music industry to open a restaurant in Brooklyn and later pursued a college degree, eventually ended up working as a nurse. She often expressed how nursing kept her grounded from the pitfalls of the entertainment industry.
In 2014 the versatile singer made a comeback with the gospel album “Conception to Redemption,” featuring gospel versions of her earlier recordings. A revival of blessings came her way when international star Beyonce’ used her first hit song for a promo ad for her 2018 tour with Jay-Z, bringing renewed attention to Aitken’s music. Marcia has been busy revitalizing her music career with performances at Rebel Salute, Grooving in the Park and networking with industry professionals. Currently she’s working on new materials and expressed interest in collaborations with Beres Hammond and various artists. Marcia Aitken’s journey is not only marked by her musical success but also by her resilience, diverse career choices, ability to navigate different aspects of life and continuous passion for music.
The young songbird entered the music industry while still a student at Excelsior High School.
Blessed with the gift of singing, she joined Lloyd Parks & We the People Band after he noticed her singing at a school concert. Aitken immediately started recording for “the mighty two”, Joe Gibbs and Errol Thompson. Concentrating on lovers rock, she gained fame in 1977 with her rendition of Alton Ellis’s “I’m Still in Love With You,” which became a number one hit in Jamaica and the UK and US reggae charts. The following year Marcia achieved another Jamaican number one single in 1978 with “My Man,” collaboration with Trinity. She also recorded songs by Ansel Cridland of The Meditations, including “Narrow Minded Man”, a response to The Meditations’ hit “Woman is Like a Shadow”. Marcia quickly stamped her name in the music industry and recorded the album “Reggae Impact”, produced by Joe Gibbs and Willie Lindo. Her popularity got her a spot on the Jamaican television show “Where It’s At” (an Island version of Soul Train in the U.S.)
Marcia Griffith - Electric Boogie Cover
Aitken completed high school in 1981 and later decided to take a break from music. She migrated to Brooklyn in 1985 and opened the Norstrand Eatery with her husband. In the later years she studied Business Management and eventually worked as a nurse for over twenty years. It’s interesting to note how she transitioned from the music industry to open a restaurant in Brooklyn and later pursued a college degree, eventually ended up working as a nurse. She often expressed how nursing kept her grounded from the pitfalls of the entertainment industry.
In 2014 the versatile singer made a comeback with the gospel album “Conception to Redemption,” featuring gospel versions of her earlier recordings. A revival of blessings came her way when international star Beyonce’ used her first hit song for a promo ad for her 2018 tour with Jay-Z, bringing renewed attention to Aitken’s music. Marcia has been busy revitalizing her music career with performances at Rebel Salute, Grooving in the Park and networking with industry professionals.
Marcia #1 hit record
HIGHLIGHTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
- 1977 – Her hit song “I’m still in love with you boy” was #1 on the Jamaican charts.
- 1978 – Her song “My Man” w/Trinity was #1 on the Jamaican charts.
- 1985 – Opened “Norstrand Eatery” in Brooklyn with her husband.
- 2014 – She recorded a gospel album “Conception to Redemption”.
- 2018 – Pop star Beyonce’ used her song for a promo tour with Jay-Z.
- She was a member of Lloyd Parks & We the People band.
- She is a Registered Nurse by profession.
- Performed on the Television show “Where It’s At” in Jamaica.