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
Lion of Judah
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
the Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
the Lion of Judah shall break every chain, chain, chain.
Give us Jah victory again and again.
The Conquering Lion shall break every chain,
the Conquering Lion shall break every chain,
the Conquering Lion shall break every chain, chain, chain.
Give us Jah victory again and again.
the Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
the Lion of Judah shall break every chain, chain, chain.
Give us Jah victory again and again.
Give us Jah victory again and again.
In Mount Zion.
With King Alpha and Queen Omega.
Father and Mother of Creation.
Alleluia!
The song "Lion of Judah" by Bob Marley is a song of praise to the Rastafarian concept of the Conquering Lion of Judah, a symbol representing the Emperor of Ethiopia Haile Selassie I. The lyrics express the belief that the Lion of Judah will break every chain, that he will bring victory to his followers again and again. The reference to Mount Zion, King Alpha and Queen Omega, and Father and Mother of Creation, highlight the importance of Ethiopian Christianity and the Rastafari faith in the song.
The Lion of Judah is a powerful and ancient symbol in Ethiopian culture and the Rastafarian faith. It is a representation of strength, courage, and leadership. Haile Selassie I, who was considered by many Rastafarians to be the manifestation of the Lion of Judah, was a powerful figure in African and world politics. He brought Ethiopia into the modern era, fought for peace, and spoke out against injustice. The lyrics of the song Lion of Judah pay homage to the power and authority of the Lion of Judah and to the teachings and principles of Haile Selassie I.
Overall, the song "Lion of Judah" is a celebration of the Rastafarian faith and its core beliefs in peace, freedom, justice, and equality. It is a call to action for Rastafarians to stand strong and remain faithful in their beliefs, and a reminder that the power of the Lion of Judah will always be there to lend them strength and victory.
Line by Line Meaning
The Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
The powerful symbol of the Lion of Judah represents the strength and determination that will be used to break free from all obstacles and limitations.
the Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
No chain is strong enough to resist the power and force of the Lion of Judah, who will break every chain with ease.
the Lion of Judah shall break every chain, chain, chain.
Repetition emphasizes the importance and certainty of the Lion of Judah's ability to break every chain, no matter how many there may be.
Give us Jah victory again and again.
The song expresses the desire for repeated victories and success, with the help and guidance of Jah (God).
The Conquering Lion shall break every chain,
The Lion of Judah is referred to as the Conquering Lion, reflecting the prophecy of a powerful and victorious savior.
the Conquering Lion shall break every chain,
The repetition of this line confirms the strength and might of the Conquering Lion, and the inevitability of breaking every chain.
the Conquering Lion shall break every chain, chain, chain.
Again, repetition emphasizes the certainty and determination of the Conquering Lion to break every chain, no matter how challenging.
Give us Jah victory again and again.
The song continues to express a desire for repeated triumphs, with the hope and faith in Jah's guidance and support.
The Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
The repeated line continues to emphasize the power and strength of the Lion of Judah, who will break all chains and limitations that exist.
the Lion of Judah shall break every chain,
This line reiterates the Lion of Judah's unstoppable ability to break all chains, without exception.
the Lion of Judah shall break every chain, chain, chain.
This repetition emphasizes the Lion of Judah's ability to break even the most difficult and complex chains, multiple times if necessary.
Give us Jah victory again and again.
The song ends with another plea for repeated victories and successes, acknowledging that the journey towards liberation is ongoing and requires divine support.
In Mount Zion.
Mount Zion is a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and liberation, a place of peace and harmony with Jah.
With King Alpha and Queen Omega.
King Alpha and Queen Omega represent the ultimate source of all creation and existence, emphasizing the divine presence that accompanies and guides the journey towards liberation.
Father and Mother of Creation.
This line reinforces the divine nature of the journey towards liberation, as well as the protective and nurturing qualities of Jah's presence.
Alleluia!
Alleluia is an expression of joy and gratitude towards Jah, reflecting the sense of fulfillment and spiritual elevation achieved through breaking free from past limitations and chains.
Contributed by Alex P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@csad20
This Brother was way ahead of his time and still difficult for many today to follow! He’s still blessing us with his heart touched lyrics!
👍🏾❤️✊🏾✊🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
@MrDylans7
Prince Buster Song
@user-ny9cs3fd7w
❤❤❤😂😂😂aneeeen
@mimiabdo7159
Just when I think I've heard all of Marley's songs, another one pops up. I feel like I will never go out of stock of new marley songs.
@reihanahaupokia9795
2020 and still breaking chains king of kings jah love from all new Zealanders jah
@jasonclaude1534
The peace maker...
new times are coming « for the hopeless sinners who has hurt on mankind just to save is own »
@djetlager6281
Rest in peace Robert Nesta Marley ☝️💚💛💗 😔😏
@mechcavandy986
In Arkansas USA, 2021.
@churow1970
Chur, chur Bro. I hear You. Jah my Bro!
@wherethewatermeetstheshade
Thank you Lord. Thank you. Lion of Judea. Strong and mighty.