The Life of Bob Marley
Image from: American Songwriter
Robert Nesta Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, St. Ann, Jamaica. As a teenager, he moved to Kingston to pursue music, where he began jamming with singer Joe Higgs, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh. Marley’s first recordings were released in 1962 under the name Bobby Martell. They received little attention at the time, though they were later included in the 1992 box set Songs of Freedom. Wailer, Tosh, and Marley then formed the ska and rocksteady group The Wailers along with a few other musicians. Working with producer Coxsone Dodd, they recorded a number of songs that became Jamaican hits and released their self-titled debut in 1965. Following the departure of several members, Marley became the Wailers’ lead singer and rhythm guitarist. After a brief musical pause, Marley married Rita Anderson and moved to the United States. He later reunited with Tosh and Wailer in Jamaica. The Wailers’ music began to reflect the growing influence of the Rastafari movement, and the trio soon recorded tracks that would become Wailers classics after teaming up with reggae producer Lee “Scratch” Perry and his studio band, The Upsetters. Their powerful vocals and inventive rhythms helped shape the future of reggae music, with songs such as Soul Rebel and Duppy Conqueror.
The Wailers’ popularity continued to grow throughout the Caribbean, though they remained relatively unknown internationally. Things began to change when they released their major-label debut, Catch a Fire, in 1973 on Island Records. The album charted in the U.S., and its danceable rhythms paired with Marley’s militant lyrics received positive reviews. Later that year, The Wailers released Burnin’, a roots reggae record that raised Marley’s global profile even more especially with standout tracks like Get Up, Stand Up and I Shot the Sheriff, the latter of which became a hit when covered by Eric Clapton in 1974. After touring outside Jamaica, Tosh and Wailer left the group, and Marley formed a new lineup under the name Bob Marley and the Wailers. They released Natty Dread in 1974, which featured the hit No Woman, No Cry. In 1976, Marley released Rastaman Vibration, notable for its strong political and spiritual themes. At the end of that year, Marley survived an assassination attempt, believed to be politically motivated, prompting him to relocate to England.
Image from: The Wailers.com
In 1977, Marley released Exodus, one of his most iconic albums, which made him an international superstar with hits like One Love and Waiting in Vain. Shortly after, he released Kaya, a more relaxed album centered on themes of love and marijuana, featuring tracks such as Sun Is Shining and Is This Love. That same year, Marley returned to Jamaica to perform at the One Love Peace Concert. In 1979, Bob Marley and the Wailers released Survival, an album focused on political issues with songs like Africa Unite and Zimbabwe. Marley’s final studio album, Uprising (1980), was deeply spiritual, featuring songs like Redemption Song, in which he reflected on his mortality after being diagnosed with skin cancer that had spread throughout his body. His declining health led to the cancellation of his world tour.
While returning to Jamaica, Marley fell gravely ill and passed away in a Florida hospital on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36. Through his powerful live performances and politically charged lyrics, Bob Marley brought Jamaican music and Rastafarian culture to a global audience. He remains one of the most respected reggae artists of all time.
Favorite Bob Marley song: Natural Mystic — it reminds us to live in the present, even when life leaves us with unanswered questions. https://youtu.be/UZfaIx57UqU?si=qYwa2kLgKr_CmMV5
What's your favorite Marley song ?