Part of the Jamaica Worldwide reggae artist series.
Who He Was
Robert Nesta Marley was born on 6 February 1945 in Nine Mile, St Ann, Jamaica. Raised between the hills of St Ann and the yards of Trench Town, Kingston, he became the voice that introduced reggae, and the faith and philosophy of Rastafari, to the whole world.
The Journey
With Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer he formed The Wailers in the early 1960s, moving from ska and rocksteady into roots reggae. Signing with Island Records brought Catch a Fire (1973) to an international audience, followed by classics such as Natty Dread, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, Kaya, Survival and Uprising. He passed away on 11 May 1981 at just 36.
Essential Songs
“One Love”, “Redemption Song”, “No Woman, No Cry”, “Get Up, Stand Up”, “Three Little Birds”, “Exodus”, “Is This Love”.
Why He Matters
Bob turned songs of struggle, faith and love into a global language. At the 1978 One Love Peace Concert he joined the hands of rival political leaders on stage, a moment that still speaks to the power of music to heal a divided nation. For the diaspora, his music is often the first and most lasting link to home.
Listen & Follow
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