The early work of Bob Marley and the Wailers is to be re-released by Universal Music International through a 10-year licensing deal the company has signed with JAD Records.

The collection, which spans 211 recordings made between 1967 and 1972, includes rare and unreleased tracks.

A source close to the deal says it should put up a warning flag to those retailers trading in unlicensed Bob Marley & The Wailers catalogue to clear their shelves of unauthorised material.

Danny Sims, co-founder of JAD Records, says: "I'm delighted to be working with Universal Music to tell the story of Bob Marley & The Wailers before they found fame in the west.”

Universal Music already own work by Bob Marley & The Wailers, recorded for Island Records between 1972 and 1980.  These include the albums Catch A Fire, Exodus, and Kaya. 

The deal will see the children of Bob Marley, the Estate of Peter Tosh and the last surviving Wailer, Bunny Wailer, receiving royalties from sales of this period of Bob Marley & The Wailers career.

JAD Records to announce a new global partnership - 12/01/2004.