Why The I-Threes never sang backup behind Gregory Isaccs on "Material Man" from his 1982 album, "Night Nurse"

 The I-Threes, consisting of Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, and Rita Marley, were known for their incredible vocal harmonies and their contributions to Bob Marley's music. 

However, they did not sing backup behind Gregory Isaacs on his song "Material Man" from his 1982 album, "Night Nurse." There are several reasons why this collaboration did not take place.

Firstly, it is important to note that the I-Threes primarily worked with Bob Marley and the Wailers, providing backing vocals for their iconic reggae sound. While they occasionally collaborated with other artists, their main focus was supporting Bob Marley's music and spreading his message of love, unity, and social change.

Secondly, Gregory Isaacs had his own unique style and sound, often referred to as the "Cool Ruler." His smooth and soulful voice, combined with his romantic lyrics, made him a beloved figure in the reggae genre. While the I-Threes were undoubtedly talented, their vocal style may not have been the best fit for the vibe and tone that Gregory Isaacs was aiming for on "Material Man."

Furthermore, artists often make creative decisions based on the specific vision they have for a song or album. Gregory Isaacs may have had a specific idea in mind for the backing vocals on "Material Man" that did not involve the I-Threes. Perhaps he wanted to explore a different vocal arrangement or work with a different set of backup singers to achieve the desired sound.

Ultimately, the decision for the I-Threes not to sing backup behind Gregory Isaacs on "Material Man", different than Bob Marley and the Wailers' "Zion Train", was likely a combination of factors, including their primary allegiance to Bob Marley and the Wailers, the stylistic differences between their voices and Gregory Isaacs' sound, and the creative choices made by Isaacs himself. While it would have been interesting to hear the I-Threes collaborate with Gregory Isaacs, it is important to respect the artistic decisions made by each artist and appreciate their individual contributions to the reggae music landscape.