Bob MarleyBob MarleyRobert Nesta Marley (February 6, 1945 - May 11, 1981), better known as Bob Marley, was a singer, guitarist, songwriter from the ghettos of Jamaica. He is the best known reggae musician of all time, famous for popularising the genre outside of Jamaica. Much of his work deals with the struggles of the impoverished and/or powerless. He has been called the Charles Wesley of the Rastafarian faith for the way he spread Rastafari through his music. He was the husband of Rita Anderson Marley (who was one of the I Threes, who acted as the Wailers' back up singers after they became a global act). She had 4 of his 9 children, including David Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley who continue their father's musical legacy in their band the Melody Makers. Another of his sons Damien Marley (aka "Jr Gong") has also started a career in music. Political and religious convictionsBob Marley Catch a fireMarley was well known for his devotion to the Rastafarian religion. It was his wife Rita who first inspired him in his faith, and he then received teachings from Mortimer Planner. He served as a de facto missionary for the faith (his actions and lyrics suggest that this was intentional) and brought it to global attention. Through his music he preached brotherhood and peace for all of mankind. Towards the end of his life he was also baptised into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church with the name Berhane Selassie. As a Rasta, Bob Marley was a great defender of cannabis which he used as a sacrament. On the cover of Catch a Fire he is seen smoking a big spliff, and the spiritual use of cannabis is mentioned in many of his songs. Marley was known to have connections with the Twelve Tribes of Israel sect of Rastafari, and he expressed this with a biblical quote about Joseph, son of Jacob on the album cover of Rastaman Vibration. The tribe of Joseph is Aquarius. Marley also makes many references to Judah and his tribe, in reference to Haile Selassie, God incarnate of the Rastafarians. Early lifeBob Marley was born on February 6, 1945 in Jamaica to Norval Marley, a middle-aged white plantation overseer from England, and Cedella Booker, a black teenager from the north country. Cedella and Norval were to be married on June 9th, 1944. Approximately a week before the wedding, however, Norval informed Cedella that his chronic hernia had begun to trouble him and as a result he would be changing jobs and moving to Kingston. Norval never really knew his son because of the white upper class' disdain for mixed race relationships. As a person of mixed race, Bob Marley may have been rejected and even the object of bitter ridicule by both white and black Jamaicans for his mixed heritage. Musical careerEarly careerMarley started his musical experimentation in ska and gravitated towards reggae as the music evolved, playing, teaching and singing for a long period in the 1970s and 1980s. Marley is perhaps best-known for work with his reggae group "The Wailers", which included two other celebrated reggae musicians, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh. Livingstone and Tosh later left the group and went on to become successful solo artists. Much of Marley's early work was produced by Coxsone Dodd at Studio One. That relationship later deteriorated due to financial pressure, and in the early 1970s he produced what is believed by many to be his finest work with Lee Perry. This pair also split apart, this time over the assignment of recording rights. They did work together again in London, though, and remained friends until Marley's death. Marley's work was largely responsible for the mainstream cultural acceptance of reggae music outside of Jamaica. He signed to Chris Blackwell's Island Records label in 1971, at the time a highly influential and innovative label. Island Records boasted a retinue of successful and diverse artists including Genesis, John Martyn and Nick Drake. Though many people believe that Blackwell interfered with what Marley wanted to do with his own music, others think that the knowledge this producer brought to the scene was critical in Marley's wish to bring reggae to the world. It was his 1975 hit No woman, no cry that first gained him fame on a wider level. Shot in election violenceIn 1976, just two days before a scheduled free concert that Marley and the then Jamaican PM Michael Manley had organized in the run up to the general election, Marley, his wife Rita and manager Don Taylor, were shot inside the star's 56 Hope Road home. Marley received minor injuries in the arm and chest. Don Taylor took most of the bullets in his legs and torso as he accidentally walked in the line of fire. He was registered in serious condition after he was rushed to the hospital but fully recovered later. Rita also recovered of the head wound she received that night. It is generally believed that this shooting was politically motivated. Jamaican politics being somewhat violent at the time, especially when close to elections time as it was then. The concert was seen as being in support of the progressive prime minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley. It is widely held that he was shot by supporters of the conservative political party of Jamaica, the Jamaica Labour Party. However, there is little evidence to support this. Though the police never caught the gunmen, Marley devotees later "caught up" with them on the streets of Kingston. Later careerBob Marley live in concert at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland on May 30, 1980Bob Marley left Jamaica at the end of 1976, and went to England, where he recorded both Exodus and Kaya, and where he was famously arrested for possession of a joint of marijuana. He released "Africa Unite" on the Survival album in 1979, and was then invited to perform at the Zimbabwe Independence Day celebrations on April 17th 1980. Battle with cancerDiagnosisIn July 1977, Marley was found to have a wound on his right big toe, which he thought was from a soccer injury. The wound would not completely heal, and his toenail later fell off during a soccer game. It was then that the correct diagnosis was made. Marley actually had a form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, which grew under his toenail. He was advised to get his toe amputated, but he refused because of the Rastafarian belief that doctors are samfai, confidence men who cheat the gullible by pretending to have the power of witchcraft. He also was concerned about the impact the operation would have on his dancing; amputation would profoundly affect his career at a time when greater success was close at hand. Still, Marley based this refusal on his Rastafarian beliefs, saying, "Rasta no abide amputation. I and I don't allow a mon ta be dismantled." [Catch a Fire, Timothy White] He did have surgery to try to excise the cancer cells. The cancer was kept a secret from the wider public. Collapse and treatmentThe cancer spread to his brain, his lungs and his stomach. While on tour in the summer of 1980 trying to break into the US market, he collapsed jogging in NYC's Central Park. This was after a series of shows in England and at Madison Square Garden. The illness made him unable to continue with the large tour planned. Marley sought help, and decided to go to Munich in order to receive treatment from controversial cancer specialist Josef Issels for several months, but it was to no avail. DeathA month before his death, he was awarded Jamaica's Order of Merit. He wanted to spend his final days in Jamaica but he became too ill on the flight home from Germany and had to land in Miami. He passed away at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Florida on May 11, 1981. His funeral in Jamaica was a dignified affair with combined elements of Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafarianism. He is buried in a crypt at Nine Miles, near his birthplace. Posthumous reputationBob Marley's music and legend have gone from strength to strength in the years since his early death and continues to produce a huge stream of revenue for his estate, and has brought him nearly mythic status in music history similar to that of Elvis Presley and John Lennon.He is enormously popular and well known all over the world, and particularly so in Africa. Controversy over burial place
Rewards and honors
Discography
Sound samples
External links
BibliographyTimothy White. Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley. Owl Books (NY), 1998. FilmographyRebel Music: The Bob Marley Story This page about Bob Marley includes information from a Wikipedia article. Additional articles about Bob Marley News stories about Bob Marley External links for Bob Marley Videos for Bob Marley Wikis about Bob Marley Discussion Groups about Bob Marley Blogs about Bob Marley Images of Bob Marley |
|
Rebel Music: The Bob Marley Story. This would be Miller's last great commercial success; a series of collections, live albums and attempts to find a new style would appear sporadically, but by the early 1990s Miller had given up on producing records altogether. Owl Books (NY), 1998. Sales were disappointing, however, and in 1982 he returned to the pop formula with another hit album, Abracadabra. Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley. On the heels of this massive success, Miller took a long hiatus from recording and touring, emerging in 1981 with Circle of Love, an ambitous album possibly intended to appease critics of his new style. Timothy White. This pair of albums represented the peak of Miller's commercial career, both reaching the top echelons of the album charts and spawning a seemingly-endless series of hit singles, including "Rock 'N' Me", "Take the Money and Run", "Jet Airliner", and "Jungle Love". While critics lambasted Miller for abandoning his more ambitious approach and socially-aware lyrics in favor of simple pop-rock and derivative blues tunes, fans gravitated towards the catchy, melodic songs in great numbers, and the Steve Miller Band co-headlined a major stadium tour with The Eagles in 1977. The birthday celebrations for what would have been his 60th birthday on February 6th 2005 were celebrated in
Shashamane for the first time, having previously always been held in Jamaica. Miller followed up The Joker with Fly Like an Eagle in 1976 and Book of Dreams in 1977. In announcing the decision to move Marley's remains to Ethiopia, Rita Marley
said: "Bob's whole life is about Africa, it is not Jamaica." There is as lot of
resistance to this proposal in Jamaica. Miller was now handling all lead vocals; his limited vocal range actually made the songs more radio-friendly
and accessible. He is buried in a crypt at Nine Miles, near his birthplace. In 1968, Miller formed the Steve Miller Band, with Scaggs handling vocals, and released an album, Children of the Future, the first in a series of discs rooted solidly in the psychedelic blues style that dominated the San Francisco music scene at the time. His funeral in Jamaica was a dignified affair with combined elements of Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafarianism. The next school year Ben Sidran was added to the Ardells as a keyboardist. He passed away at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Florida on May 11, 1981. Miller taught Boz Scaggs some chords, and Scaggs joined the Ardells the next year. He wanted to spend his final days in Jamaica but he became too ill on the flight home from Germany and had to land in Miami. He formed a new band called The Ardells. A month before his death, he was awarded Jamaica's Order of Merit. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the 1960s. Marley sought help, and decided to go to Munich in order to receive treatment from controversial cancer specialist Josef Issels for several months, but it was to no avail. Steve Miller (born October 5, 1943) is a blues and rock and roll guitarist and performer. The illness made him unable to continue with the large tour planned. Hayley Hibarger's the best!!, 2003 compilation. This was after a series of shows in England and at Madison Square Garden. "Born 2B Blue", 1989 single. While on tour in the summer of 1980 trying to break into the US market, he collapsed jogging in NYC's Central Park. "Willow Weep For Me", 1989 single. The cancer spread to his brain, his lungs and his stomach. "Mary Ann", 1989 single. The cancer was kept a secret from the wider public. "God Bless The Child", 1988 single. I and I don't allow a mon ta be dismantled." [Catch a Fire, Timothy White] He did have surgery to try to excise the cancer cells. "Ya Ya", 1988 single. Still, Marley based this refusal on his Rastafarian beliefs, saying, "Rasta no abide amputation. Born 2B Blue, 1988 album
It was then that the correct diagnosis was made. "Behind The Barn", 1986 single. The wound would not completely heal, and his toenail later fell off during a soccer game. "Maelstrom", 1986 single. In July 1977, Marley was found to have a wound on his right big toe, which he thought was from a soccer injury. "I Want To Make The World Turn Around", 1986 single. He released "Africa Unite" on the Survival album in 1979, and was then invited to perform at the Zimbabwe Independence Day celebrations on April 17th 1980. Living in the 20th Century, 1986 album
Bob Marley left Jamaica at the end of 1976, and went to England, where he recorded both Exodus and Kaya, and where he was famously arrested for possession of a joint of marijuana. "Bongo Bongo", 1985 single. Though the police never caught the gunmen, Marley devotees later "caught up" with them on the streets of Kingston. "Shangri-La", 1984 single. However, there is little evidence to support this. Italian X Rays, 1984 album
The concert was seen as being in support of the progressive prime minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley. "Winter Time", 1979 single. Jamaican politics being somewhat violent at the time, especially when close to elections time as it was then. "True Fine Love", 1978 single. It is generally believed that this shooting was politically motivated. "Jungle Love", 1978 single. Rita also recovered of the head wound she received that night. "Swingtown", 1978 single. He was registered in serious condition after he was rushed to the hospital but fully recovered later. "The Stake", 1977 single. Don Taylor took most of the bullets in his legs and torso as he accidentally walked in the line of fire. "Jet Airliner", 1977 single. Marley received minor injuries in the arm and chest. Book of Dreams, 1977 album
It was his 1975 hit No woman, no cry that first gained him fame on a wider level. "Dance, Dance, Dance", 1977 single. Though many people believe that Blackwell interfered with what Marley wanted to do with his own music, others think that the knowledge this producer brought to the scene was critical in Marley's wish to bring reggae to the world. "Fly Like An Eagle", 1977 single. Island Records boasted a retinue of successful and diverse artists including Genesis, John Martyn and Nick Drake. "Serenade", 1976 single. He signed to Chris Blackwell's Island Records label in 1971, at the time a highly influential and innovative label. "Take The Money And Run", 1976 single. Marley's work was largely responsible for the mainstream cultural acceptance of reggae music outside of Jamaica. "Rock 'N' Me", 1976 single. They did work together again in London, though, and remained friends until Marley's death. Fly Like an Eagle, 1976 album
Much of Marley's early work was produced by Coxsone Dodd at Studio One. "The Joker", 1974 single. Livingstone and Tosh later left the group and went on to become successful solo artists. "Your Cash Ain't Nothin' But Trash", 1974 single. Marley is perhaps best-known for work with his reggae group "The Wailers", which included two other celebrated reggae musicians, Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh. The Joker, 1973 album
As a person of mixed race, Bob Marley may have been rejected and even the object of bitter ridicule by both white and black Jamaicans for his mixed heritage. Norval never really knew his son because of the white upper class' disdain for mixed race relationships. Approximately a week before the wedding, however, Norval informed Cedella that his chronic hernia had begun to trouble him and as a result he would be changing jobs and moving to Kingston. Cedella and Norval were to be married on June 9th, 1944. Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945 in Jamaica to Norval Marley, a middle-aged white plantation overseer from England, and Cedella Booker, a black teenager from the north country. Marley also makes many references to Judah and his tribe, in reference to Haile Selassie, God incarnate of the Rastafarians. The tribe of Joseph is Aquarius. Marley was known to have connections with the Twelve Tribes of Israel sect of Rastafari, and he expressed this with a biblical quote about Joseph, son of Jacob on the album cover of Rastaman Vibration. On the cover of Catch a Fire he is seen smoking a big spliff, and the spiritual use of cannabis is mentioned in many of his songs. As a Rasta, Bob Marley was a great defender of cannabis which he used as a sacrament. Towards the end of his life he was also baptised into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church with the name Berhane Selassie. Through his music he preached brotherhood and peace for all of mankind. He served as a de facto missionary for the faith (his actions and lyrics suggest that this was intentional) and brought it to global attention. It was his wife Rita who first inspired him in his faith, and he then received teachings from Mortimer Planner. Marley was well known for his devotion to the Rastafarian religion. Another of his sons Damien Marley (aka "Jr Gong") has also started a career in music. She had 4 of his 9 children, including David Ziggy Marley and Stephen Marley who continue their father's musical legacy in their band the Melody Makers. He was the husband of Rita Anderson Marley (who was one of the I Threes, who acted as the Wailers' back up singers after they became a global act). He has been called the Charles Wesley of the Rastafarian faith for the way he spread Rastafari through his music. Much of his work deals with the struggles of the impoverished and/or powerless. He is the best known reggae musician of all time, famous for popularising the genre outside of Jamaica. Robert Nesta Marley (February 6, 1945 - May 11, 1981), better known as Bob Marley, was a singer, guitarist, songwriter from the ghettos of Jamaica. Christian site critical of Marley's Rasta beliefs (http://www.av1611.org/crock/pod_rast.html). Bob Marley Forever - Posters, Shirts, Books, Lyrics and more (http://www.bobmarleyforever.com). Family tree of Bob Marley (http://hem.passagen.se/ielbo/wail/wailerft.htm). Lovers and Children of the Natural Mystic: The Story of Bob Marley, Women and their Children (http://debate.uvm.edu/dreadlibrary/dixon.html). www.bobmarley.com. On October 4, 1963, Haile Selassie addressed the United Nations with his famous peace speech (http://www.bobmarley.com/life/rastafari/war_speech.html) from which Bob Marley made the song 'War'. Bob Marley (http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0002490/) at the Internet Movie Database. Bob Marley Lyrics (http://lyrics.rare-lyrics.com/B/Bob-Marley.html). Bob Marley Lyrics (http://www.jamaicalyrics.com.ar/index.php?mod=search&type=0&find=bob+marley). Bob Marley at 60, what's planned? (http://www.tributetobobmarley.com/). Download sample of "Redemption Song". "Rastaman Live Up". "I Know". "Stiff Necked Fools". "Trench Town". "Blackman Redemption". "Give Thanks & Praises". "Mix Up, Mix Up". "Jump Nyabingi". "Buffalo Soldier". Confrontation (1983)
Chances Are (1981)
"Pimper's Paradise". "Zion Train". "Work". "We And Them". "Bad Card". "Real Situation". "Coming In From The Cold". Uprising (1980)
"Wake Up And Live". "Ambush In The Night". "Ride Natty Ride". "One Drop". "Africa Unite". "Survival". "Babylon System". "Top Rankin'". "Zimbabwe". "So Much Trouble In The World". Survival (1979)
"Heathen". "Is This Love". "War/No More Trouble". "Rebel Music". "Lively Up Yourself". "Kinky Reggae". "Concrete Jungle". "Rat Race". "Stir It Up". "Exodus". "Punky Reggae Party". "Positive Vibration". Babylon by Bus (1978)
"Misty Morning". "She's Gone". "Satisfy My Soul". "Sun Is Shining". "Is This Love". "Kaya". "Easy Skanking". Kaya (1978)
"Get Ready". "One Love/People". "Three Little Birds". "Turn Your Lights Down Low". "Waiting In Vain". "Jamming". "Exodus". "The Heatrhen". "Guiltiness". "So Much Things To Say". "Natural Mystic". Exodus (1977)
"Rat Race". "War". "Night Shift". "Who The Cap Fit". "Crazy Baldhead". "Want More". "Cry To Me". "Johnny Was". "Roots, Rock, Reggae". "Positive Vibration". Rastaman Vibration (1976)
"I Shot the Sheriff". "No Woman No Cry". "Lively Up Yourself". "Them Belly Full". "Burnin' & Lootin'". "Trenchtown Rock ". Live! (1975) - recorded at The Lyceum theatre, London
"Talking blues". "Bend Down Low". "Natty Dread". "So Jah Seh". "Rebel Music (Three O'clock Roadblock)". "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)". "No Woman No Cry". "Lively Up Yourself". Natty Dread (1974)
"Pass It On". "Small Axe". "Put It On". "Burnin' and Lootin'". "I Shot The Sheriff". "Hallelujah Time". "Get Up, Stand Up". Burnin' (1973)
"Trench Town Rock". "Small Axe". African Herbsman (1973)
"No More Trouble". "Kinky Reggae". "Stir It Up". "Baby We've Got A Date (Rock It Baby)". "Stop That Train". "400 Years". "Slave Driver". "Concrete Jungle". Catch a Fire (1973)
February 2001 - A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 1999 - Album of the Century (Time Magazine) for Exodus). February 1981 - Awarded Jamaica's highest honor, the Order of Merit. June 1978 - Awarded the Peace Medal of the Third World from the United Nations. 1976 - Band of the Year (Rolling Stone). [1] (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4225239.stm). Bob Marley birthday celebrations marked by dispute over possible reburial. |