Bob Marley Biography / Pictures

Biography

Born in Nine Miles, St. Ann, Jamaica on February 6, Marley started in ska and gravitated towards reggae, 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, the backbone of which were two other celebrated reggae musicians, Bunny Livingstone and Peter Tosh. Bunny and Peter then left the group and became sucessful solo artists. Much of his early work was produced by Lee Perry, although the pair split in acrimony over the assignment of recording rights.

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 stable of both successful and diverse artists including, amongst others, such nascent luminaries of the music scene as Genesis, John Martyn and Nick Drake. He was very devoted to his faith in Rastafariansim. (His religious devotion may have cost him his life.)

Bob Marley was shot in 1976 inside his home. It is generally believed he was shot for political motives, with Jamaican politics being somewhat violent in that era. He was scheduled to perform at a concert that was perceived to be in support of the progressive prime minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley, and had been receiving death threats after it was announced he was going to perform there. It is generally believed he was shot by a supporter of the conservative political party of Jamaica, the JLP. Rita Marley was also shot in the head at the time, and recovered.

Bob loved soccer second to loving music. He injured his foot, and the injury became cancerous. Doctors told him to get his toe amputated but he wouldn't because Rastas believe that doctors are "samfai" which means "a confidence man who cheats the gullible by pretending he has the power of witchcraft." Bob Marley said "Rasta no abide amputation. I and I don't allow a mon ta be dismantled." Because of this, the cancer spread to his brain and his lungs. He sought help but it was too late. He wanted to spend his final days in Jamaica but he sadly passed away in Miami on May 11, 1981. He was recently rewarded the Lifetime Acheivement Award from the Grammys. He is a man whose music will live on forever through all races.