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
Bob Marley-Confrontation
Bob Marley Lyrics
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Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
Preacher man don't tell me heaven is under the earth
I know you don't know what life is really worth
Is not all that glitters in gold and
Half the story has never been told
So now you see the light, aay
Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
Most people think great god will come from the sky
Take away ev'rything, and make ev'rybody feel high
But if you know what life is worth
You would look for yours on earth
And now you see the light
You stand up for your right, yeah!
Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
Get up, stand up. life is your right
So we can't give up the fight
Stand up for your right, lord, lord
Get up, stand up. keep on struggling on
Don't give up the fight
We're sick and tired of your ism and schism game
Die and go to heaven in Jesus' name, lord
We know when we understand
Almighty god is a living man
You can fool some people sometimes
But you can't fool all the people all the time
So now we see the light
We gonna stand up for our right
So you'd better get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
Get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight.
The lyrics to Bob Marley's "Get Up, Stand Up" begin with a call to action, urging listeners to stand up for their rights and not give up the fight. Marley challenges the authority of religious figures, who claim to know where heaven is and what is valuable in life, asserting that they cannot know what life is truly worth. He argues that people must stand up for their rights on earth, rather than waiting for a higher power to make things better. The song then emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of oppression and adversity.
Marley's lyrics are a powerful message of empowerment for marginalized communities. He reminds his listeners that the struggle for justice is ongoing and that they must continue to stand up for their rights. The song's refrain of "Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight" serves as a rallying cry for those who feel oppressed and encourages them to take action. Marley's lyrics also challenge common assumptions about religion and authority, urging people to question what they are told and to strive for their own understanding of what is right and just.
Line by Line Meaning
Get up, stand up, stand up for your right (3 times)
Bob Marley urges listeners to stand up for themselves, to fight for their rights and to never give up.
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
Bob Marley repeats his earlier message about standing up for one's rights and pushing forward even when times get tough.
Preacher man don't tell me heaven is under the earth
Bob Marley expresses his skepticism towards preachers who claim to know what lies beyond death and the afterlife.
I know you don't know what life is really worth
Bob Marley believes that such preachers do not truly understand the value of life.
Is not all that glitters in gold and
Bob Marley cautions that appearances can be deceptive and that not everything that might seem precious or valuable is indeed so.
Half the story has never been told
Bob Marley hints at the idea that what we see and perceive is often only a partial understanding of the wider, more complex reality that exists beneath the surface.
So now you see the light, aay
Bob Marley suggests that once people become aware of what is really going on in the world, they will have greater clarity and understanding.
Stand up for your right. come on
Bob Marley encourages listeners to take action and fight for what they believe in.
Most people think great god will come from the sky
Bob Marley criticizes the idea that God is a remote, distant force that only intervenes in human affairs from afar.
Take away ev'rything, and make ev'rybody feel high
Bob Marley argues that true spirituality is not about escaping reality or seeking artificial highs, but about finding peace and meaning in the world we live in.
But if you know what life is worth
Bob Marley believes that if people truly appreciate the value of life, they will not give up on creating a better world for themselves and others.
You would look for yours on earth
Bob Marley advises that people should focus on finding their own purpose and happiness while they are alive and well rather than waiting for an afterlife that may never come.
And now you see the light
Bob Marley reiterates that once people gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, they will have clarity and insight into how to create positive change.
You stand up for your right, yeah!
Bob Marley urges listeners to take action and fight for their fundamental rights and freedoms.
life is your right
Bob Marley asserts that every human being has the right to life, dignity, and opportunities to thrive.
So we can't give up the fight
Bob Marley implores listeners not to give up even in the face of adversity, for if we do, we forfeit our rights and freedoms.
We're sick and tired of your ism and schism game
Bob Marley criticizes the divisive, combative tactics used by those in power to keep people oppressed and divided.
Die and go to heaven in Jesus' name, lord
Bob Marley suggests that promising salvation in the afterlife is a manipulative tactic used to keep people from fighting for justice and equality in this life.
We know when we understand
Bob Marley believes that gaining knowledge and insight is the key to understanding the world around us and creating meaningful change.
Almighty god is a living man
Bob Marley believes that God is present in all living beings and that we should seek to understand the divine in ourselves and those around us.
You can fool some people sometimes
Bob Marley acknowledges that some people may be misled or deceived, but he believes that ultimately, the truth will prevail over misinformation and deception.
But you can't fool all the people all the time
Bob Marley asserts that truth is a powerful force that will eventually overcome dishonesty and deceit, no matter how persistently it is promoted.
We gonna stand up for our right
Bob Marley reminds us of the importance of standing up for ourselves and our fundamental rights and freedoms, and of continuing the fight for justice and equality.
So you'd better get up, stand up, stand up for your right
Bob Marley issues a call to action, urging listeners to take a stand for what is right, just, and fair.
Get up, stand up, don't give up the fight
Bob Marley once again encourages listeners to fight for their rights and freedoms without relenting, no matter how difficult the battle may become.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Reservoir One Music, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: BOB MARLEY, PETER TOSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robert Poen
0:01 - Chant Down Babylon
2:35 - Buffalo Soldier
6:53 - Jump Nyabinghi
10:37 - Mix Up, Mix Up
15:40 - Give Thanks & Praises
18:55 - Blackman Redemption
22:29 - Trench Town
25:41 - Stiff Necked Fools
29:06 - I Know
32:27 - Rastaman Live Up!
Agustin Lyón D
Up a Cane river to wash my dread
Upon a rock I rest my head
There I vision through the seas of oppression, oh-whoa!
Don't make my life a prison
We come from Trench Town (Trench Town)
Most of them come from Trench Town
We free the people with music (sweet music)
Can we free the people with music? (Sweet music)
Can we free our people with music, with music?
With music, oh music? (Oh music)
Whoa my head
In desolate places we'll find our bread
And everyone see what's taking place
Whoa-oh, another page in history
We come from Trench Town (Trench Town)
We come from Trench Town (Trench Town)
We come from Trench Town (Trench Town)
Lord we free the people with music (sweet music)
We free the people with music (sweet music)
We free our people with music with music
With music, oh music (oh music)
They say it's hard to speak
They feel so strong to say wa're weak
But through the eyes the love of our people, oh-whoa!
They've got to repay
We come from Trench Town (Trench Town)
We come from (Trench Town) Trench Town
They say, "Can anything good come out of Trench Town?" (Trench, Trench Town)
That's what they say, (Trench Town) (Trench, Trench Town)
Say (Trench, Trench Town) we're the underprivileged people
So (Trench Town) they keep us in chains
"Pay (Trench, Trench Town), pay, pay tribute to" (Trench Town)
We come from (Trench, Trench Town)
We come from (Trench, Trench Town)
Just because we come from Trench Town
Not because we come from Trench Town
Just because we come from (Trench Town)
Issa
Never get bored with Bob Marley albums any song
He gave so much of himself into his music and nobody can deny his authenticity and originality
Respect for the background singers too
Amazing!
RIP Bro
fabio sabino
Esse cara realmente tinha uma inspiração fora da curva...Grande Bob
Keseven Mootooveeren
Je m'en lasse pas et je m'en lasserai jamais, un bon bob dans la tête et on oublie tout les tracas, que du soleil, merci à toi marley. 💚💛❤💥✌👍👍🤟
Larry Daiell
Thanks for making this fantastic album available to everyone ☺️!!! It's greatly appreciated 😊👍!!!
Wayne Cardinal
Your welcome
Deus é fiel.
Muito massa brother, som de qualidade. Salve salve do mano Maceió !!
Carlos De Souza
Esse será lembrado em gerações pós gerações
Músicas imortalizadas
Sabrina Reis
Love this album! 🇧🇷
CARISON ANTONIO
Genial, melhor álbum do bob, que presente nos deixouu🙌🇧🇷
Tinarwo Simon
Just stumbled upon this Bob Marley album today and I'm ecstatic!! Bless your soul legend. You continue to inspire us now and forever. ✊🏾