February 6th marks the birth of the legend of reggae, Nesta Robert Marley a.k.a Bob.
Marley is undoubtedly one of the most influential musicians of all time, his lyrics transcend generations and his rocksteady music is loved by all. On February 6th, 1945 in Saint Ann Parish of Jamaica, Bob was born to father Norval Marley and mother Cedella. Ten years later, Bob’s father would pass away from a heart attack and his family was forced to move to Trenchtown, a slum in Kingston Jamaica.
Due to Bob’s racial mixture coming from a white father and a black mother, he was often ridiculed and bullied by others his age. Tough times forced Bob to grow a thick skin, hence the nickname “Tuff Gong”. As Bob got into music at a young age, he met Bunny Wailer and Peter McIntosh (Peter Tosh) and played with them often. They eventually started a band, initially called “The Teenagers”, but after several name changes, the settled on “The Wailers”. Clearly, that one stuck.
About ten years later, The Wailers went worldwide with Catch A Fire in ’73. Finally, the world was beginning to realize the power of positivity through Bob’s music. With hits like ‘I Shot the Sheriff’ and ‘Get Up Stand Up’ – Marley and the Wailers were becoming a world phenomenon.
In ’74 the Wailers broke up. There were so many amazing musicians in that group, solo projects were simply bound to happen. Despite members like Tosh going off to make their own music, Bob Marley and The Wailers charged on. Among the new members was Bob’s wife, Rita. The band went on to put out Rastaman Vibration in ’78 which included ‘No Woman No Cry’.
In 1977, Bob was diagnosed with cancer. He continued playing music until his death in 1981. Bob was a prophet, a man of the people, a vocalist for human rights and love. Aside from being a musical genius, he was simply a great man.
“Overcome the Devils with a thing named Love” – Bob Marley
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Solid, solid post. The spirit of Marley lives on!