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
Roots Rock Raggae
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This a reggae music.
Play I some music
This a reggae music.
Roots, Rock, Reggae,
This a reggae music.
This a reggae music.
Hey mister music,
sure sound good to me
I can't refuse it
what to be, got to be
Feel like dancing
dance 'cause we are free
Feel like dancing,
come dance with me
Roots Rock Reggae
This a reggae music
Roots Rock Reggae (yea)
This a reggae music
Play I some music
This a reggae music
Play I some music
This a reggae music
Play I some R&B whoaa
Want all my people to see
We bubbling on the top one hundred
just like a mighty dread
Play I some R&B
Want all my people to see
We bubbling on the top one hundred
Just like a mighty dread
Roots Rock Reggae
This a reggae music (aha)
Roots Rock Reggae
This a reggae music
Play I some music
This a reggae music
Play I some music
This a reggae music
Play I some R&B (whoaa)
Want all my people to see
We bubbling on the top one hundred
just like a mighty dread
Play I some music
This a reggae music
Play I some music
This a reggae music
This a reggae music (fade)
The lyrics of Bob Marley's song "Roots Rock Reggae" celebrate and exalt the power and influence of reggae music. The repeated refrain of "Play I some music, this a reggae music" emphasizes the central role of music in the artist's life and in the lives of the listeners. The song expresses the joy, freedom, and unity that music brings, particularly through the genre of reggae.
The chorus, "Roots Rock Reggae," asserts the connection between reggae music and its roots. The term "roots" signifies the cultural and historical heritage of Jamaica, from which reggae music emerged. "Rock" refers to the energetic and rhythmic nature of the music, while "reggae" identifies the specific genre. By combining these three words, Marley emphasizes the authenticity and significance of reggae music as a representation of Jamaica's cultural identity and as a vehicle for social commentary and empowerment.
The lyrics also briefly mention R&B music, highlighting its influence and popularity alongside reggae. Marley mentions wanting "all my people to see" the success and recognition of reggae music, expressing a desire for it to be heard and appreciated worldwide. The reference to "bubbling on the top one hundred," a reference to the music charts, suggests the rising prominence and mainstream acceptance of reggae music.
Overall, "Roots Rock Reggae" celebrates reggae as an integral part of Marley's life and as a powerful agent for societal change. It showcases the joy, freedom, and unity that music can bring, reinforcing the significance of reggae not only as a genre but also as a manifestation of Jamaican culture and identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Play I some music
Please play some music for me
This a reggae music.
This is a genre of music called reggae.
Roots, Rock, Reggae,
The foundation and essence of reggae music.
Hey mister music,
Addressing the person in charge of the music.
sure sound good to me
It sounds really pleasing to my ears.
I can't refuse it
I cannot resist the music's allure.
what to be, got to be
The path to follow is predetermined.
Feel like dancing
I have the desire to dance.
dance 'cause we are free
We dance to express our freedom.
come dance with me
Join me and let's dance together.
Play I some R&B
Now, play some rhythm and blues music for me.
Want all my people to see
I want everyone from my community to witness this.
We bubbling on the top one hundred
We are rising and gaining success on the music charts.
just like a mighty dread
Similar to a powerful Rastafarian figure.
This a reggae music (aha)
Once again, this is reggae music.
Play I some music
Please play some music for me
This a reggae music
This is reggae music.
This a reggae music (fade)
The reggae music continues until it fades away.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@joelwest5541
My 4 year old son has been in ICU for a week and I've been sitting here playing Bob hour upon hour quietly in the room. It's been amazing to see the smiles on the faces of people who passed the room. The nurses check on him more often than the do when I'm not playing Bob. This music is powerful in ways we are incapable comprehending.
One love
@michaelbentt3018
Blessings, luv and light to your little, beautiful soldier, my friend.
Rise up.
@artyom8456
i hope after all these years, he's still a happy little boy! bless you both
@joelwest5541
@artyom wow, I had forgotten about this comment. It's funny how life will remind you of the important things! Yeah, he's doing really well today! That was such a scary time for me, we almost lost him in that hospital! Thanks for you comment!
The power of music, the greatest communication! One love sir
@icey2203
@Joel West great to hear.
@shelll9254
Most healing . music to help the body recover and rejuvenate. It soothes the soul. ✌️&💗
@liviusss
One of the most beautiful and underrated songs ever written... The King will forever live in our hearts!
@maxgandara7403
not underrated, highly appreciated.
@SuppAmiigg
https://youtu.be/abVh2WoUgKc
@jfryk
If you ever watch the video it's easier to catch the dripping irony holding up a mirror to everything.