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
Kinky Reggae
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooh, yeah I went downtown (said I went downtown)
I saw Miss Brown (said, I saw Miss Brown)
She had brown sugar (had brown sugar)
All over her booga-wooga (over her booga-wooga)
I think I might join the fun (think I might join the fun)
But I had to hit and run (had to hit and run)
In a kinky part of town
Ride on
Don't you know I've got to ride on
Ride on, see I just can't settle down (ride on)
Kinky reggae
Oh, kinky reggae now
Kinky reggae
Oh, kinky reggae now
Kinky reggae, all I've got to say
Kinky reggae now
Kinky reggae, do it up
Kinky reggae, now, ride on, now
Ride on
Ride on
Ride on, kinky reggae, ride on
Ey, I went down to Piccadilly Circus
Down there I saw Marcus
He had a candy tar
All over his chocolate bar
I think I might join the fun (I might join the fun)
But I had to hit and run (had to hit and run)
See I just can't settle down (just can't settle down)
In a kinky part of town
Nice one, that's what they say, nice one
But I'm leavin' you today (nice one)
Oh, darlin', please don't play (nice one) mama say, mama say
(Kinky reggae)
(Kinky reggae, now)
(Kinky reggae)
(Kinky reggae, now)
(Kinky reggae)
(Kinky reggae, now)
(Kinky reggae)
(Kinky reggae, now)
Eh, I want you to meet my brother Carlton over here
And I want you to meet Aston Barret
I said I want you to meet Aston Barret over here
And I want you to meet brother Al over there, on guitar
And I want you to meet brother Seeco
And I want you to meet brother Tyrone
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now, nice one
Nice one
Nice one
Nice one, kinky reggae
You're such a nice, nice, nice, nice one, kinky (reggae)
I want you to meet my sisters (kinky reggae, now)
I want you to meet my sisters! (kinky reggae)
(Kinky reggae, now)
(Kinky reggae)
(Kinky reggae, now)
(Kinky reggae)
(Kinky reggae, now)
Now, you see that one over there?
Her name is sister Rita
And you see this sister here nearest to me?
Her name is sister Judy
And we get together and say
Kinky reggae, now
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now
Ride on
Ride on
Ride on, kinky reggae
Ride on
Kinky reggae (my name is brought on back)
Kinky reggae now
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now
Kinky reggae
Kinky reggae, now
"Kinky Reggae" is a song by Bob Marley that celebrates the freedom and joy of embracing one's sexual desires in a welcoming and non-judgmental community. The lyrics recount Marley's experiences in exploring the kinky side of town, encountering women and men who are proud to express their sexuality and diversity. Marley admires their confidence and enthusiasm, but he also acknowledges that he cannot fully participate in their world because he is constantly on the move, looking for new adventures and avoiding attachments.
The chorus of the song, "kinky reggae, now ride on," is a call to action and a celebration of diversity and joy. Marley invites his listeners to join him in dancing and singing, letting go of their inhibitions and embracing the beauty of life. The song is a testament to Marley's commitment to equality, social justice, and spiritual liberation, which he saw as interconnected aspects of a holistic worldview.
One of the interesting facts about the song is that it was originally recorded for the album "Catch a Fire" in 1973, but it was not included in the final release due to its explicit lyrics. However, it later appeared on the 1978 compilation "Babylon by Bus" and became a fan favorite. Another interesting fact is that the song features the Wailers' characteristic blend of reggae, soul, and funk, with lively horns, groovy basslines, and catchy melodies. The song also highlights the contribution of the Barrett brothers, Aston and Carlton, on bass and drums, respectively, who are considered pioneers of the reggae genre.
Line by Line Meaning
And then we gonna say kinky reggae!
The song is introducing the concept of kinky reggae as a fun, playful and exciting topic.
Ooh, yeah I went downtown (said I went downtown)
The singer went to the downtown area.
I saw Miss Brown (said, I saw Miss Brown)
The singer spotted a woman called Miss Brown.
She had brown sugar (had brown sugar)
Miss Brown had a sweet birthmark=color containing brown sugar-like shade.
All over her booga-wooga (over her booga-wooga)
The brown sugar-like shade was all over her body, specifically in a private area referred to as booga-wooga.
I think I might join the fun (think I might join the fun)
The singer is considering joining the fun that is happening in the kinky part of town.
But I had to hit and run (had to hit and run)
The singer had to leave quickly, without getting involved or caught in what is happening in the kinky part of town.
See, I just can't settle down (just can't settle down)
The singer cannot conform or find peace in a kinky part of town.
In a kinky part of town
A place where people engage in unconventional or unorthodox sexual activity or behavior.
Ride on
The song encourages us to keep going despite difficulties.
Don't you know I've got to ride on
The singer feels compelled to continue and not give up despite challenges.
Kinky reggae
The song is about kinky reggae, a playful and exciting topic related to unconventional or unorthodox sexual activity of some kind.
Oh, kinky reggae now
The song emphasizes the idea of kinky reggae, a sound that is playful and exciting.
Kinky reggae, all I've got to say
The singer emphasizes the point that all there is to talk about now is kinky reggae, the playful and exciting topic at hand.
Kinky reggae now
The song emphasizes the idea of kinky reggae, a sound that is playful and exciting.
Kinky reggae, do it up
The song is telling us to carry on with the playful and exciting kinky reggae sound and topic.
Ey, I went down to Piccadilly Circus
The singer went up to Piccadilly Circus for some reasons, probably for the same purpose as before.
Down there I saw Marcus
The singer met an acquaintance in Piccadilly Circus called Marcus.
He had a candy tar
Marcus was seen with a candy tar - possibly referring to some sort of drugs - probably related to kinky reggae.
All over his chocolate bar
The candy tar mentioned earlier is on top of or associated with his chocolate bar.
Nice one, that's what they say, nice one
The person the singer meets at Piccadilly Circus appears to be pleased with the candy tar.
But I'm leavin' you today (nice one)
The singer is leaving the context of kinky reggae, taking a more serious or straightforward approach instead.
Oh, darlin', please don't play (nice one) mama say, mama say
The song is suggesting the idea of not playing or taking things too lightly or casually regarding kinky reggae or when things are shifting more seriously.
I want you to meet my brother Carlton over here
The singer is introducing brother Carlton to the listeners or an audience in a playful manner.
And I want you to meet Aston Barret
The singer introduces Aston Barret to the listeners or an audience, still maintaining the playfulness of the lyrics.
I said I want you to meet Aston Barret over here
The singer reiterates the introduction of Aston Barret, mainly for emphasis for any new listeners of the song.
And I want you to meet brother Al over there, on guitar
The singer introduces a new person called brother Al who plays guitar - also in a playful manner.
And I want you to meet brother Seeco
Another introduction to the listeners or an audience, the singer is keeping up the playful tone of the song.
And I want you to meet brother Tyrone
The song keeps introducing more people as if they are in one place, in a playful and jovial environment.
Kinky reggae
The song refers again to kinky reggae - or the playful and exciting sound being played.
You're such a nice, nice, nice, nice one, kinky (reggae)
This phrase is used to express affection and admiration for the listeners or anyone who is interested in the song, still in a playful manner.
I want you to meet my sisters (kinky reggae, now)
The singer introduces his sisters to the listeners or the audience, still maintaining the playful tone of the song.
I want you to meet my sisters! (kinky reggae)
The song reiterates the introduction of the singer's sisters, again in a light and airy way.
Now, you see that one over there?
The song now directs the listeners or the audience in a playful manner.
Her name is sister Rita
The song names one of the singer's sisters as sister Rita, still maintaining the playful tone.
And you see this sister here nearest to me?
The song is asking the listeners to pay attention to one of the singer's sisters near him jokingly.
Her name is sister Judy
The song names another of the singer's sisters as sister Judy again, working within the same playful context.
And we get together and say
The song tells us how the sisters reacted or responded to being in each other's company.
Kinky reggae, now
The sisters join in the fun of playing the kinky reggae sound.
Ride on
The song again encourages everyone to keep going and not give up, still within the playful context of kinky reggae.
Ride on, kinky reggae, ride on
The song encourages listeners or the audience to keep playing the sound of kinky reggae, still within the playful context of the song.
(my name is brought on back)
This phrase appears to be a continuation of the song's previous verses, though the meaning itself is unclear.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB MARLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sassy1j102
I hear the message in this. Temptations are all around but Marley is giving the ✌sign and high tailing it out of there. Nice one.
@hulkjam2888
all yhe drugs gona make y slow-Burnin n looting
See😉
@mapopperoozio
I think you misinterpreted the "message"😂😂😂
It's the total opposite of what you think.
@damienmccarty3795
For the past 15 years I've only heard this song live from the gold album. I finally heard the studio version.
@chisflanagan5498
The CD Catch a Fire also has Stir it Up. If you don't know the song, take a few minutes and play it. Guaranteed to like it.
@localafh
The undisputed King of Reggae! He started the modern day Reggae Revolution. A true pioneer. ‘Love Always’ Acts 20:35
@82CJB
I like this version bc it's smoother n lil slower. Love the background harmony is on point. Riiidde on!! Long live Bob Marley Rastafari mon!
@kadosmusic5030
This song make me don’t be afraid about the future and be more positive. Thanx for all bob and the wailers
@deemann1976
The bass line is so sick
@markthompson4953
Reggae music has never been the same since Bob and Peter left us.