Reggae music is a musical genre characterized by colorful individuals who have created a huge impact not only in the entertainment scene, but also in the political, social and economic fronts. Among those who have established themselves in the music industry as movers, shakers, and influencers is Bob Marley. Originally from Jamaica, country strife in political and racial turmoil, Marley embodies Jamaican’s sentiments through his music and songs. He was a complex but engaging entertainer. His performances were unique and bold, which earned him a reputation as one of the best reggae artists of his time. Marley’s lyrics were straightforward although sometimes laced with various metaphorical undertones. The music industry still reverberates with Marley’s songs and musical genius more than 35 years after his death. He was born in February 1945 and passed away due to cancer in May 1981, leaving behind a wife, Rita, and 12 children.
Bob Marley’s musical interest began as a child in Jamaica and continued on until he recorded his first two singles in 1962, which did not catch the fancy of the public. In 1963, he put up a band together with his friends Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh, which they called “The Teenagers”. Later on, they changed their name to “The Wailing Rudeboys” until they further refined their band’s name to simply “The Wailers” (Romer). Their initial hits included “Simmer Down”, recorded in 1964, and “Soul Rebel”, recorded in 1965. Both songs were written by Marley.
Coming from a mixed race family background proved to be a boon for Marley. His father, Norval Sinclair Marley, was a white Jamaican who traced his background as coming from Syrian Jewish origins. His mother was Cedella Booker, an Afro-Jamaican. During this period, interracial marriages were frowned upon and Norval’s family was against the marriage. Thus, he only saw Marley a few times because he was always away and did not offer financial support for Marley and his mother. This period in his life has made a huge mark on his music, which is the reason for his songs having themes about poverty, race, peace, freedom, political issues, government, and more. He lived with his mother in Trench Town, so-called “because it was built over a sewage trench” (Burke 7). Still exposed in poverty, this is where Marley further developed and enhanced his musical inclinations due to the cultural richness of the community. Trench Town became a lifelong inspiration for Marley that resulted to hit songs such as “No Woman No Cry” in 1974, “Trench Town Rock” in 1975, and “Trench Town”, which was released 2 years after his death (Burke 7).
The rest of the 1960s up to early 1970s, Marley and his band released singles and albums that reflected the signs of the times. By mid-70s, the political situation in Jamaica was turbulent and chaotic. But, when he was asked to perform in a non-partisan concert, he agreed. The Prime Minister immediately asked for an election, which made it appear like Marley was in support of the government’s political stand, which led to an assassination attempt of his life two days prior to the concert. Feeling betrayed, he left Jamaica and proceeded to London that became the inspiration for his “Exodus” and “Kaya” albums in 1977 and 1978 respectively (Burke 12).
In 1978, Bob Marley released another album called “Babylon By Bus” and toured several countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. A ninth album entitled “Survival” was released in 1979 that contained the anthem song, “Zimbabwe”, which was used during the liberation of Rhodesia. Prior to his death, Marley was able to release another album, called “Uprising” in 1980 (Burke 13).
Among Marley’s many popular songs are protest songs that are still sung to this day. The list includes “Simmer Down” (1962), “Concrete Jungle” (1973), “Get Up, Stand Up” (1973), “I Shot the Sheriff” (1973), “Burnin’ and Lootin’” (1973), “Revolution” (1974), “War” (1976), and “Redemption Song” (1980) (Reilly). Marley’s 1970s songs reverberate of songs about peace and cultural understanding. He is revered globally for giving face to Jamaican music and as a spiritual leader under the Rastafari order.
During his lifetime and even after his death, Marley received honors and awards including the Rolling Stone Magazines’s “Band of the Year” award in 1976. After his death, Marley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for serving as the ambassador for reggae music. He was also recognized for having sold more than 20 million records, thus, “making him the first international superstar to emerge from the so-called Third World” (Bob Marley Biography).
Bob Marley’s legacy continues to be felt today. He is an iconic figure despite years of physical absence in the music scene. His songs speak of equality and change, injustice and revolution – all of which are still issues that the world today suffers from. He is not only a revered music icon in Jamaica, but in the whole world as well.
Works Cited
“Bob Marley Biography.” N.d. Web. 21 June 2016. <http://www.biography.com/people/bob-marley-9399524>.
Burke, Juleen, S. “The Bob Marley Effect: More Than Just Words.” 2014. Web. 21 June 2016. <http://scholarship.shu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2932&context=dissertations>.
Reilly, Dan. “Bob Marley’s 10 Greatest Protest Songs That Still Ring True Today.” 2015. Web. 22 June 2016. <http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6465429/bob-marley-birthday-70-protest-songs>.
Romer, Megan. “Bob Marley.”. N.d. Web. 21 June 2016. <http://worldmusic.about.com/od/bandsartistsaz/p/BobMarley.htm>.
