Neville Garrick ADD

JULY 28, 1950 - NOVEMBER 14, 2023

Neville Garrick was a Jamaican graphic artist and visual designer, renowned for his extraordinary contributions to the world of music and art. He was most recognized for his Award Winning work as Art Director for Bob Marley, creating timeless artwork covers and designs that are still being recognized globally today.

Neville’s journey through a remarkable 50-year art career left an indelible mark on the realm of music album covers, posters, logos, and staging designs. His artistic genius was most vividly seen in the more than 100 album covers he crafted for legendary reggae artists such as Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, The Wailers, Steel Pulse, and the I-Threes, among others. One of his most iconic achievements was the awe-inspiring “Haile Selassie I” stage and lighting design, which accompanied Bob Marley during the revolutionary 1970s and 1980s, solidifying Garrick’s status as a visionary force in the global creative landscape. Through his covers, Neville has played a significant role in introducing Ethiopian art and culture to Western audiences.

Neville Garrick’s artistic journey began at Kingston College in Jamaica and later took him to the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) on a soccer scholarship. It was during this time that he became a vital part of the Civil Rights Movement, mentored by the esteemed Angela Davis. Garrick was an active member of the Black Students Union and served as the associate editor of Nommo, the nation’s oldest ethnic publication on a college campus. His freshman year saw him organize seven fellow black art students to create “The Black Experience,” a mural that would depict the struggles and triumphs of African-Americans in the United States. This mural, created in 1970, was ceremoniously restored in 2014, bearing witness to Garrick’s enduring impact.

After completing his studies, Neville returned to his hometown of Kingston, Jamaica, where he became the art director of the Jamaica Daily News from 1973 to 1974. In 1974, he embarked on a notable career as the art director for Tuff Gong, a record label formed by the reggae group The Wailers in 1970.

Neville’s profound friendship with Bob Marley positioned him as a keeper of the artist’s legacy. He was entrusted with designing an extension of the Bob Marley Museum and served as the very first Executive Director of the Bob Marley Foundation from 1990 to 1996. Neville’s contributions extended beyond art, as he co-produced the 1992 documentary “Time Will Tell,” which featured rare insights from Bob Marley.

Neville Garrick’s creative journey also included his role as the leader in lighting and set direction for Reggae Sunsplash, an event celebrated as “the biggest reggae festival in the history of the world.” In 1999, he published “A Rasta’s Pilgrimage – Ethiopian Faces and Places,” a photographic chronicle of his two-month exploration of the sacred land from a Rastafarian perspective.

Neville’s lifelong dedication to the arts was duly recognized when, on August 6, 2005, in a ceremony marking Jamaica’s 43rd year of independence, he accepted the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in honour of his unparalleled contributions to Jamaican music. 

In 2022, the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JARIA) presented Neville with the Gregory Isaacs Foundation Award for Album Design to highlight and celebrate his significant contributions and achievements which have positively impacted the development and promotion of Reggae.

On August 6th, 2023 in recognition of his contribution to Music, Art and Culture locally and internationally, he was awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD). Earlier this year, his  first album cover for Bob Marley“Rastaman Vibration” was also recognized by Billboard Magazine for being #22 Best 100 Album Cover of all time.

His last project with the Marley family was in the role of Historic Advisor for the Paramount Films, Bob Marley Biopic: One Love slated for a February 2024 release date.

At the time of his passing, Neville was working on “Colour the Music,” a documentary with his son, Nesta, chronicling his illustrious career as well as completing a series of hand painted works of art celebrating black culture.

Neville’s artistic spirit continues to inspire, and his wisdom remains a cherished part of history. He leaves behind a legacy that transcends time and space. He is survived by his  brother (Derek), three children (Christopher, Naomi and Nesta),  grandchildren (Ajani, Leo, and Lola), former wife and close friend Colette, Niece (Jaean) and Grand-niece (Jaeda), family members, colleagues, and friends.