Singer Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945.
The Jamaican singer, songwriter and musician is considered one of the pioneers of reggae. He was known for fusing elements of reggae, ska and rocksteady into his work. He also gained fame due to his distinctive voice and composition.
Bob Marley: Everything you need to know
Bob Marley became a Rastafarian icon and was widely regarded as an international symbol of Jamaican music and culture. He openly supported the legalization of marijuana and pan-Africanism.
Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945 in Nine Mile, Jamaica. Marley began his music career in 1963, forming a band called The Teenagers with Pere Tosh i Bunny Wailer. The band would later become known as The Wailers. They released their debut album “The Wailing Wailers” in 1965, which contained the hit song “One Love”.
The Wailers released 11 studio albums and became known as Bob Marley and the Wailers after signing with Island Records. The record label helped the band gain international fame. Although they released two albums in 1973 – “Catch a Fire” and “Burnin ‘”, they were released a year later. However, Marley continued with the band’s name and released several more albums.
He married Rita Marley from 1966 until her death on May 11, 1981 at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. In July 1977, Marley had been diagnosed with a type of malignant melanoma under the toenail. Fearing that amputating his toe would limit his ability to perform, Marley tried to treat him with alternative methods.
Unfortunately, in 1980, he collapsed while jogging in Central Park in New York City. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors discovered that the cancer had spread to his brain, lungs and liver. He received a state funeral in Jamaica on May 21, 1981 and was buried in a chapel near his birthplace with his guitar.
Although he has died, his legend is still alive. His hit album “Legend” (1984) is the best-selling reggae album of all time. He is also considered one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 75 million records sold worldwide.
After his death, he was honored by Jamaica with a designated Order of Merit. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Rolling Stone ranked him eleventh on the list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Fans are celebrating their birthday with some of their greatest hits! Listen up!
‘It’s this love’
“Is This Love” is a timeless classic!
“How did this guy get to have so many amazing songs in such a small life?” asked a fan.
“I play this song over and over again, it puts me in a good mood. I love it,” said another.
“I love this song! It makes my soul and heart happy,” another shared.
“Such a wonderful song. The lyrics are meaningful,” said another fan. “Bob Marley keeps bringing people together. What a talent.”
Buffalo Soldier
Marley’s characteristic voice in “Buffalo Soldier” cannot be confused.
“One of the best songs ever,” one fan commented.
“I saw Bob Marley and The Wailers perform at Harvard Stadium in Allston, Massachusetts in 1979. It was a fundraiser for the anti-apartheid movement,” a fan shared. “The stage was set up in the middle of the field and I saw Bob, with his long dreadlocks, and his teammates killing time before the show by throwing a soccer ball around the field behind “Great show. The slow pace was incredibly strong and powerful. Bob Marley was fascinating. He was a diverse crowd and almost everyone smoked marijuana.”
“Everyone in my high school class would start singing this in class,” another fan shared. “Bob Marley brought people together.”
‘One Love’
“One Love” is still one of his most beloved songs.
“Bob Marley is still alive,” one fan wrote. “His voice still echoes in the universe. He is still resting in the flower of Jah Rastafara.”
“We still feel the loss of Bob Marley,” wrote another. “It was amazing.”
“Bob saw the light and shared it with us,” another fan commented. “His music transcends time and speaks to the soul. An incredibly amazing person. “
“Bob Marley remains a legend forever,” another shared. “His unifying and inspiring music continues to increase our spirits. God bless his posterity.”
