10 Things to Know About Bob Marley
The highly anticipated film “One Love”, starring Kingsley Ben-Adhir and Lashana Lynch captures the legendary story of Bob Marley. Its cinema release is set quite aptly on February 14th. Bob Marley’s image and sound is undeniably iconic, but beyond his hugely marketable look and distinct vocals was a man more complex. He was a husband, a revolutionary, a symbol of peace and unity. Let’s dive into 10 things to know about an absolute icon.
Here are 10 Things to Know About Bob Marley
1.Bob Marley’s Trenchtown
Robert Nesta Marley was born February 6th, 1945 in the rural and lush Parish of St. Ann’s Jamaica to Captain Norval Marley, an Englishman who served in the Royal Marines and Cedella Booker. At the age of 12 and following the death of his father, Bob and his mother moved to Trenchtown in Kingston. He loved Trenchtown, a place he often mentioned in his songs. Probably most famously in “No woman, no cry”. Bob’s teen years were set to the soundtrack of ska and rocksteady before he and his friends, The Wailers, created a new sound. Reggae.
2. The Creation of Bob Marley and The Wailers
In 1963, young talents - Peter Tosh, Beverly Kelso, Junior Braithwaite, Bunny Livingston and Bob Marley formed the band "The Teenagers". Between 1963 and 1966 they eventually changed their name to The Wailers. During this period Bob also founded Tuff Gong Records.
3. Rita Marley. Behind Every Great Man…
AlfaRita (Rita) Marley, was born in Cuba before moving to Trenchtown where she met and became friends with a young Bob Marley. She was a singer in the Soultantes, a successful group in their own right with Bob featuring on one of their records. Bob and Rita married in 1966. As well as a vocalist for The Wailers, Rita was his muse, his confidant and advisor throughout his career.
4. Hit Makers
The Wailers' first single, "Simmer Down," that showcased their early ska and rocksteady influences, was a number one hit in Jamaica in 1964. Their sound eventually evolved, incorporating elements of soul and their distinct Rastafarian message, eventually leading to the birth of reggae and global hits like "Get Up, Stand Up" and "Redemption Song."
5. The Attempted Assassination of Bob Marley
By the mid 70’s Bob Marley was seen as the voice of the oppressed and a symbol of unity that transcended political divides. His popularity and message of social justice disrupted the political status quo. Michael Manley of the People’s National Party (PNP) was the Jamaican Prime Minister at the time, with opposing leader Edward Seagar of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). This was an era defining rivalry, with lots of blood shed as a result.
While Marley initially supported the PNP, he distanced himself from partisan politics during the 1976 election campaign. This angered both sides, as some saw him as tacitly endorsing the PNP, while others viewed his neutrality as a threat to their political agendas.
Just days before a peace concert aimed at uniting rival political factions, gunmen attacked Bob's home. He was shot in the arm and Rita was shot in the head whilst outside in her car. The failed assassination only made him more determined to speak out. The concert, dubbed "One Love Peace Concert," became a powerful symbol of unity and Marley's commitment to social justice. He initially committed to one song due to the threat on his life. Instead, he and The Wailers performed an electrifying 90 minute set.
6. Bob Marley in London
After the assassination attempt, Bob Marley and The Wailers moved to London. This period proved to be a turning point, exposing him to new musical influences and broadening his audience. It was in London that Bob created, arguably his best body of work with the album Exodus, with songs like "One Love" and "Three Little Birds".
7. Bob Marley, the Football Fanatic
Bob Marley wasn't just a musical legend; he was also a die-hard football fan. He supported Tottenham Hot Spurs and Brazil Santos FC, his favorite player was Pele. He played the sport throughout his life, even forming his own team, the Tuff Gong FC.
8. Bob Marley in Africa
Africa had a profound impact on Bob Marley, shaping both his music, activism and religion. His first trip to the continent was to Ethiopia in 1978. He felt a spiritual connection in the country with it being the home of Haille Selassie, regarded by Rastafarians as the god of the Black race.
His liberation song “Zimbabwe'' was released in 1979, which led to Bob performing at Zimbabwe's 1980 independence celebration; he was the only outsider to perform. "Africa Unite" and “Zimbabwe'' reflected his solidarity with liberation struggles, amplifying them on a global stage and brought hope for the continent emerging from colonialism. While his visits were relatively brief, their impact was immense. He embraced Africa's diverse cultures and strengthened his own identity.
9. Still Toping the Charts
Bob Marley is ranked as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of more than 75 million records worldwide. Today, Bob Marley and The Wailers still get 19 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Some of his greatest hits include “Get Up, Stand Up”, “No Woman, No Cry”, “Redemption Song” and “Is this Love”.
10. A Life Cut Short
In 1977 Bob Marley was diagnosed with malignant melanoma that appeared in his toe. He was advised by doctors to have his toe amputated, however he refused and went on to live with the disease recording and touring for a few years with little treatment.
It was in 1980, whilst jogging in New York, he collapsed and found the disease had spread to his brain and lungs. His last concert was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania September 23rd 1980, just two days after his collapse. Bob’s health worsened and by May 11th 1981, his life was cut tragically short. The news devastated fans globally, but of course Jamaica had lost a son, it was no surprise he was given a state funeral in Kingston May 21st.
Bob Marley left an incredible legacy where his music continues to inspire millions and is heavily referenced in pop culture. He has been awarded a Grammy, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a statue in Jamaica and even in Serbia. His children and grandchildren have continued his legacy with the likes of Ziggy Marley, Damien Marley, Cedella Marley and Skip Marley echoing that distinguishable Marley sound.
