Starting out in 1963 with the group Bob Marley & The Wailers, he forged a distinctive song-writing and vocal style that would later resonate with audiences worldwide.
The Wailers would go on to release some of the earliest reggae records with producer Lee Scratch Perry.
After The Wailers disbanded in 1974, Marley pursued a solo career which culminated in the release of the album Exodus in 1977 which established his worldwide reputation and became one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, with sales of more than 75 million albums and singles.
Bob Marley was a member of this Rastafari movement, whose culture was a key element in the development of reggae. Bob Marley became the leading proponent of the Rastafari, taking their music out of socially deprived areas of Jamaica and onto the international music scene.
Now considered a "Rasta" prophet, Marley's adoption of the characteristic Rastafarian dreadlocks and famous use of marijuana as a sacred sacrament in the late sixties were an integral part of his persona. He is said to have entered every performance proclaiming the divinity of Jah Rastafari.
A few months before his death, Marley was baptised into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and took the name Berhane Selassie (meaning the Light of the Holy Trinity in Amharic).
His best known songs are a mixture of reggae, Roots Reggae, and rhythm and blues, which include:
I Shot the Sheriff
Exodus
Could You Be Loved
Redemption Song
No Woman, No Cry
Three Little Birds
Buffalo Soldier
Is This Love
One Love
Stir It Up
Jammin'
Get Up, Stand Up
His posthumous album Legend (1984) became the best-selling reggae album ever, with sales of more than 12 million copies.
Bob Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994; in December 1999, his album “Exodus” (1977) was named Album of the Century by Time Magazine and his song “One Love” was designated Song of the Millennium by the BBC.
Awards and Honors:
1976 - Rolling Stone Magazine's "Band of the Year"
1978 - United Nations' Peace Medal of the Third World
1981 - Jamaican Order of Merit
1994 - The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame
1999 - Time Magazine's Best Album of the Century
2001 - Star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
2001- GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award
2004 - Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time (#11)
2006 - The United Kingdom's "Blue Plaque"
2006 - Bob Marley Boulevard named in Brooklyn, New York
2010 - GRAMMY Hall Of Fame (Catch A Fire)
2012 - August the 7th, proclamed Bob Marley Day (Los Angeles)
2013 - GRAMMY Tribute Performance
Marley tragically died of cancer at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami, Florida on May 11, 1981.
Religion:
Bob Marley was a member of the Rastafari movement, (not rastafaranism as that is seen as a derogortory term as Rasta's don't like being refered to as an ism) whose culture was a key element in the development of reggae music in Jamaica. Rastas belive they are outcast from their native Zion and looked on Ethiopia as their real home and Tafarai Makonnen, who took the title Haile Sellasie I(Power of the Holy Trinity in Amharic), after he became the emperor of Ethiopia, as their leader. Rastas belive H.I.M. is Jesus in flesh. Rastas are considered to be black Jews.
Rastas claim their root from King Solomon and Abbysinian queen of Sheba, through lineage of their son Menelik, emperor of Abbysinia. H.I.M. is said to be a direct decendant of Menelik. 'Ras' means Head and 'Tafarai" means Creator. 'Jah' is the shortened form of the Hebrew word Jehovah. Rastas belive in one truth and that is the truth of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Sellasie I, King of kings, Lord of lords, conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah, two hundred and twenty-fifth ruler of the three thousand year old Ethiopian empire, elect of Jah, Light of the world. Jah Rastafari live out. Rastas preach a non-materialistic, egalitarian way of life. Bob Marley became a leading proponent of the Rastafari, taking their music out of the socially deprived areas of Jamaica and onto the international music scene. Bob Marley was baptized by the Archbishop of the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church in Kingston, Jamaica on November 4, 1980.
Diet:
Marley's diet was ital; fruit, vegetables and fish; which is food approved by the Rastafari movement.
Family:
Bob Marley had 13 children: three with his wife Rita Marley, two adopted from Rita's previous relationships, and the remaining eight with separate women.
His children are, in order of birth:
Imani Carole, born May 22, 1963, to Cheryl Murray;
Sharon, born November 23, 1964, to Rita in previous relationship;
Cedella born August 23, 1967, to Rita;
David "Ziggy Marley", born October 17, 1968, to Rita;
Stephen Marley, born April 20, 1972, to Rita;
Robert "Robbie", born May 16, 1972, to Pat Williams;
Rohan, born May 19, 1972, to Janet Hunt;
Karen, born 1973 to Janet Bowen;
Stephanie, born August 17, 1974; according to Cedella Booker she was the daughter of Rita and a man called Ital with whom Rita had an affair; nonetheless she was acknowledged as Bob's daughter;
Julian Marley, born June 4, 1975, to Lucy Pounder;
Ky-Mani Marley, born February 26, 1976, to Anita Belnavis;
Damian Marley, born July 21, 1978, to Cindy Breakspeare;
Makeda, born May 30, 1981, to Yvette Crichton.
See here for comedian Bob Marley the comedian: Comedian Bob Marley
African Herbsman
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't see the right roads when the streets are paved
The old slave men might grind slow
But it grinds fine, yeah
African herbsman, why linger on?
Just concentrate, 'cause heaven lives on
Retired slave men will look with a scorn
(how quick they had to part)
The remembrance of today
Is the sad feelin' of tomorrow
(how quick) Oh (part), oh yeah
African herbsman, seize your time
I'm takin' illusion on the edge of my mind
I'm takin' losers down through my life
Down through my life, yeah (yes, how quick they had to part)
(how quick they had to part)
Dideh part, yes, they part
In remembrance of today
(how quick they had to part)
African herbsman, why linger on?
Just concentrate, 'cause your heaven lives on
Greet-I-eth slave men will look with a scorn
With a transplanted heart, yes, how (quick they have to part)
(how quick they have to part)
In remembrance of today
Brings sad feelings of tomorrow
(Yes, how quick they have to) Lead me on, oh, Lord, I pray to you
(African herbsman) (African herbsman)
African, African herbsman
The lyrics to Bob Marley's song African Herbsman are uniquely complex and layered, and can be interpreted in a multitude of ways. On the surface, it's a song that speaks out against the struggles of being a slave, as well as the feeling of detachment and longing that comes with living in a world that's divided. However, it's more than just a song about slavery- it's also a commentary on the spiritual connection between the African people and the natural world.
The opening line, "All twinklin' lee, can't see the right roads when the streets are paved" speaks to the lack of clarity that often comes with living in urban areas. It's easy to lose touch with one's roots and forget the true path in life when living in a modern world that's dominated by concrete and steel. The line "the old slave men might grind slow but it grinds fine, yeah" speaks to the resilience and perseverance of the African people, despite years of oppression and hardship.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "African Herbsman, why linger on?" This can be interpreted as a call to action for the African people- to take pride in their heritage and to strive towards a better future. The line "Just concentrate, 'cause heaven lives on" speaks to the idea that one's connection to the earth and to their ancestors is what gives them strength and purpose in life. The repeated phrase "how quick they had to part" is a reference to the forced separation of African families during the era of slavery.
Line by Line Meaning
All twinklin' lee
The world is full of distractions and it's easy to lose focus
Can't see the right roads when the streets are paved
Obvious solutions might be misleading and it takes concentration to find the right path
The old slave men might grind slow
Change might take time and perseverance
But it grinds fine, yeah
Patience and determination will pay off eventually
African herbsman, why linger on?
Don't waste time, focus on achieving your goals
Just concentrate, 'cause heaven lives on
Stay focused on your spiritual journey because it will provide a meaningful existence
Retired slave men will look with a scorn
People who have become complacent in their oppression might criticize those who still fight for their freedom
With a transplanted heart (yes, how quick they had to part)
Some people have lost their connection to their roots and culture and it was taken away from them too quickly
(how quick they had to part)
Reflecting on the traumatic experience of being taken from one's homeland
The remembrance of today
Reflecting on current events
Is the sad feelin' of tomorrow
Anticipating the effects of negative events on future generations
African herbsman, seize your time
Take advantage of the present moment and make the most out of your life
I'm takin' illusion on the edge of my mind
Trying to navigate through false perceptions and see the world as it truly is
I'm takin' losers down through my life
Overcoming challenges and obstacles
Down through my life, yeah (yes, how quick they had to part)
Reflecting on the past and the hardships that others had to face
Dideh part, yes, they part
Recalling the separation of families and communities due to slavery
In remembrance of today
Reflecting on current events
(how quick) Oh (part), oh yeah
Being reminded of the traumatic experience of losing one's homeland due to slavery
African herbsman, why linger on?
Don't waste time and energy on negative thoughts, focus on personal growth and progression
Just concentrate, 'cause your heaven lives on
Stay focused on your spiritual journey and the rewards that it may bring
Greet-I-eth slave men will look with a scorn
People in power might criticize those who seek justice and equality
With a transplanted heart, yes, how (quick they have to part)
Some people have lost their connection to their roots and cultural heritage and it was taken away from them too quickly
(how quick they have to part)
Reflecting on the traumatic experience of being taken from one's homeland
In remembrance of today
Reflecting on current events
Brings sad feelings of tomorrow
Anticipating the effects of negative events on future generations
(Yes, how quick they have to) Lead me on, oh, Lord, I pray to you
Asking for guidance and strength to overcome personal and societal obstacles
(African herbsman) (African herbsman)
Repeating the song's title as a reminder to stay focused on personal growth and spiritual development
African, African herbsman
Emphasizing the importance of African heritage and culture in one's identity
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing,
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Luis Angel Jimenez
nunca moriras para el mundo me satisface mucho escuchar tu musica
Demitri EgGe Mackoy
.rasta is the best bob marley the lidgent
@TestTest-ft9xh
"In this age of technological inhumanity
Scientific atrocity
Atomic misphilosophy
Nuclear misenergy
It's a world that forces lifelong insecurity
We're the survivors, yeah!
We're the survivors!
Yes, the Black survivors!
We got to survive, y'all!"
Prophet Bob Marley
@TestTest-ft9xh
@Moon Glare That life a what represents the Garden of Eden (hunter gather life). Freud said civilization is madness and he would know.
It amuses when aid workers go to Africa to teach them sustainability. African have been living sustainably from the earth & nature for thousands of years like the San bushmen have been for 100,000 years straight.
Nature provides everything for free! Shelter (mud & thatched huts), food, homemade ceramics, gourd jugs, etc.
...And then someone came along and convinced us to pay money to buy everything to survive. Remember doing increasingly complex tasks is the sign of an incoming bipolar episode and advanced meth addiction. We need to simply to using nature directly and symbiotically for our needs.
Lastly, it was scientists who came to Africa and culled 40,000 elephants says they were trampling grass and causing desertification. Turns out after the elephants were killed desertification occured. They were keeping vegetation going. Colonialism "intelligence" at its finest.
@TestTest-ft9xh
"In this age of technological inhumanity
Scientific atrocity
Atomic misphilosophy
Nuclear misenergy
It's a world that forces lifelong insecurity
We're the survivors, yeah!
We're the survivors!
Yes, the Black survivors!
We got to survive, y'all!"
Prophet Bob Marley
@MarceloHenkin
this is my favorite Bob Marley song. just a simple and beautiful melody
@elijahflynt3217
same here
@cherrybelle7956
Me too,💞💞not many people can say that either 😃👑
@antoniodean9171
Me too
@HulkyBoomBulky
this track an kaya ✊🏼❤
@Mike-ky6jc
The original is called Indian Rope Man
This is my favorite rendition of the song and the first song I heard that got me into Bob Marley.
@oleboyblue6845
Peter Tosh's backing vocals are truly sublime.
@richardmlouis
+Ole Boy Blue Yes, they are. The Wailers have the best backup vocals. Thumbs up for noticing.