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
Jah Live
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
The truth is an offense,
But not a sin.
Is he who laugh last,
Is a foolish dog
Bark at a flying bird.
One sheep a-must learn, children,
To respect the shepherd.
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
Jah live, children, ye-ah-ah-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah! Jah!
Fools say in their heart,
"Rasta, your god is dead!"
But I'n'I know:
Jah, Jah Dread;
It shall be Dreader Dread.
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
Let Jah arise
Now that the enemies are scattered!
Let Jah arise
The enemies, the enemies are scattered.
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, ooh!, children, yeah!
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
The lyrics of "Jah Live" by Bob Marley & The Wailers express the belief in the power and eternal existence of Jah or God. The repetition of "Jah live, children, yeah!" is an invocation to praise and worship God. The following lines refer to the idea that the truth may offend some but is not sinful. The foolishness of laughing last and winning is compared to a dog barking at a flying bird. Children are called to learn to respect the shepherd, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for God as a protector and guide.
The lyrics then address critics who say that Rasta, which refers to Rastafarianism as a movement and religion, worship a dead god. In response, the song affirms that Jah or God is alive and eternal. The line "It shall be Dreader Dread" implies that there will be consequences for those who doubt or deny the existence of Jah. Finally, the song calls for Jah to arise and scatter the enemies which could be interpreted as a call to God to defeat those who oppose and oppress the Rastafarian community.
Line by Line Meaning
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah always exists and is alive, children, yes!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
Jah, Jah always exists and is alive, children, yes!
The truth is an offense,
Telling the truth might offend some people,
But not a sin.
But it is not a sin to do so.
Is he who laugh last,
The one who has the last laugh is
Children, is he who win.
the winner, children.
Is a foolish dog
It is foolish for a dog
Bark at a flying bird.
to bark at a bird that is flying.
One sheep a-must learn, children,
Children, a single sheep must learn
To respect the shepherd.
to respect the shepherd who is in charge.
Fools say in their heart,
Foolish people say in their heart
"Rasta, your god is dead!"
"Rasta, your god is dead!"
But I'n'I know:
But I and I know that
Jah, Jah Dread;
Jah, Jah is to be feared;
It shall be Dreader Dread.
It will become even more fearful.
Let Jah arise
May Jah rise up
Now that the enemies are scattered!
Especially now that the enemies are defeated and divided!
The enemies, the enemies are scattered.
The enemies, the enemies are scattered.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BOB MARLEY, LEE PERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Efmhai Atienza
lets get 2gether n feel alright
@thebreadtable4880
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
The truth is an offense,
But not a sin.
Is he who laugh last,
Children, is he who win.
Is a foolish dog
Bark at a flying bird.
One sheep a-must learn, children,
To respect the shepherd.
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
Jah live, children, ye-ah-ah-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah! Jah!
Fools say in their heart,
"Rasta, your god is dead!"
But I'n'I know:
Jah, Jah Dread;
It shall be Dreader Dread.
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
Let Jah arise
Now that the enemies are scattered!
Let Jah arise
The enemies, the enemies are scattered.
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, ooh!, children, yeah!
Jah live, children, ye-ah!
Jah, Jah live, children, yeah!
@Jo-annSamurai3069
This is one of my favorite Bob Marley songs along with Rastaman Vibration. This song soothes my soul.
I am truly blessed. I was priviliged to go to the beautiful island of my parents birth, and where the Legend Robert Nestor Marley was born...Jamaica, recently.
I also was able to go to the Bob Marley Museum in Hope Road Kingston. Bob and his wife Rita Marley lived there for a substantial period of time. His recording studio, office, kitchen and other rooms are preserved as when he was with us here on earth. I cannot explain the joy I felt being there. I felt His presence very strongly at Hope Road, not in a spooky way, but in a soothing and loving way. Bob's music is played throughout the house and grounds.
I was able to go into the very studio where he recorded a lot of his albums, touched the mixing desk, saw his blue denim shirt he loved to wear during his performances. Stand by his desk in his office, and see the gold and platinum disks Bob recieved for his albums.
I was a Bob Marley fan before I went to the museum. I now have more of an appreciation of his music and finding out about his life made Bob feel more real to me.
He transistioned this life when I was just a child. But Bob lives on in his music and his children.
If you ever get the chance to visit Jamaica I would highly recommend you visit the Bob Marley Museum. You won't regret it.
Jah Lives. I can testify to that.
@Julian_F_Style
Here again after one of the worst nights of my life. Uncle Bob is still healing me and showing me the way.
Thank you Uncle Bob for keeping me alive
@user-np5hr6pn9b
Still a hit in 2024.
Reggae music to the world.
Your legacy lives on forever Bob. Ride on!
@olivereliacin8299
I will be the first comment of 2023. Sending love to everyone
@richardkittrell3133
Bless Up!!
@elizabethkelly8347
Sending love right back to you ❤
@VictoriaPyle
Let HIM arrive!! yes I * as the Wicked are scattered amongst us all. Holy Holy Holy singing praises to the Glorious One ❤️
@JQueen-ul5eh
✨👁✨🙏🏽
@rastajunior205
Through this song, Bob is teaching me that the pure essence of life, or eternal life, if you will, is found in the fullness of the life of Yeshua and His Majesty, the carpenter and the goldsmith, the resurrection and the life. This is a song of hope meant to soothe the great sorrow felt by the Rasta faithful at the news of the ascension of JAH. It is a love song to JAH affirming Bob’s unwavering faith in HIM. We can only overstand to a limited degree the wisdom of our God, through our inseparable faith and love we will find our redemption. His Majesty has come and scattered and shattered and battered the enemy, now let JAH arise in the unity of I and I, let us redeem ourselves by fulfilling our purpose. Only death shall whither and die. JAH Live!
@nolanroberts2710
""Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." We the happy children, o death where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory?! Glorious is His Majesty! This song brings me home, everytime. Tears of sorrow and joy, for the lost and the found. But Hosanna we say!