Saxophonist on the first song recorded by Bob Marley is honored by the Jamaican government!

The Jamaican government yesterday awarded one of the country's highest civic honors to the saxophonist who played on the first song recorded by reggae icon Bob Marley. Saxophonist Headley Bennett, 74, was awarded the Order of Distinction, along with 157 others, during the National Honors and Awards ceremony. Bennett is one of the most prolific Jamaican musicians.

He has worked with the biggest names in reggae, including Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, co-founders, along with Marley, of the band The Wailers. Marley was 17 years old and performing solo in 1962 when Bennett played on his first song, “Judge Not”, a ska number produced by Leslie Kong. Also receiving the Order of Distinction were keyboardist Michael`bo`Cooper and guitarist Stephen `Cat` Coore, co-founders of the reggae band Third World.