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
Shocks Almighty Mix II
Bob Marley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know you're gonna like it
So let me tell you what we're gonna do
Souls almighty Don't you know we got the rhythm
Souls almighty We are willing
Funky, Funky Chicken And the Mashed Potato
Do the Alligator
Let's do it together
Do you dig me ya'll
Souls almighty, my soul is raw
Get yourself together
In any kind of weather
Things will be mighty better
If you get it together Souls almighty Don't you know we got the rhythm
Souls almighty Get yourself, yourself together
In any kind of weather Things will be mighty better
If we, if we get it together
Souls, don't you know we got the rhythm
Hit it brother
Souls Almighty
O' baby, when you're not with him
Funky, Funky Chicken
And the Mashed Potato Do the Alligator
Do it together ya'll Shocks of Souls and shocks, souls and shocks
We got, we got, we got the rhythm
Sing your song brother
My baby's with him, ooh
Get yourself together
In any kind of weather
Things will be mighty better
The lyrics of Bob Marley's song, "Souls Almighty Mix II," revolve around the idea of coming together and finding rhythm and harmony amidst any kind of situation. The song begins with Bob Marley addressing his audience and expressing his confidence in presenting something new that they will all enjoy. The following lines encourage everyone to join in and dance to the rhythms of the Funky Chicken, Mashed Potato, and Alligator. Marley repeats the phrase "Souls Almighty" throughout the song, signifying the power that emanates when individuals come together in unity. He believes that even in adverse situations, things can be better when people unite and find their rhythm. Ultimately, the song underscores a positive message that encourages listeners to embrace harmony and seek common ground despite differences.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey happy people, this here is something new
Greetings, my joyful comrades. I present to you an innovative masterpiece.
I know you're gonna like it
My intuition implies that this artistry will appeal to your taste.
So let me tell you what we're gonna do
Allow me to illustrate the plan of operation.
Souls almighty Don't you know we got the rhythm
Our collective brilliance and creativity produce compelling melodies.
Souls almighty We are willing
Our passion and readiness drive our success.
Funky, Funky Chicken And the Mashed Potato
Let us employ funky dance moves such as the Chicken and the Mashed Potato.
Do the Alligator Let's do it together Souls almighty
Join me in unison to perform the Alligator as we remain transcendent.
Do you dig me ya'll
Are you impressed with my work, my friends?
Souls almighty, my soul is raw
My passion and emotions are intensely vivid, my fellow revolutionaries.
Get yourself together In any kind of weather Things will be mighty better If you get it together Souls almighty
Stay calm and united during challenging circumstances. Our musical craft will excel if we remain optimistic.
Don't you know we got the rhythm
Our musical talents are undeniable and awe-inspiring.
Get yourself, yourself together In any kind of weather Things will be mighty better If we, if we get it together
Pull yourselves together and cooperate in all situations to ensure our collective progress and growth.
Souls, don't you know we got the rhythm Hit it brother Souls Almighty
Our musical genius is exceptional and worth showcasing. Let's commence the performance, my friend.
O' baby, when you're not with him Funky, Funky Chicken And the Mashed Potato Do the Alligator
During your absence from your partner, you can alleviate sadness by dancing cheerfully.
Do it together ya'll Shocks of Souls and shocks, souls and shocks We got, we got, we got the rhythm Sing your song brother
Let's dance in unison while celebrating our collective creativity and genius. Perform your tunes with confidence, my fellow musician.
My baby's with him, ooh Get yourself together In any kind of weather Things will be mighty better
Although my lover is currently with someone else, I shall remain composed and optimistic in all weather. Things will eventually get better.
Contributed by Carter G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nazım Yılmaz
on No Woman No Cry
el hombre de mundo
JANGLA WISE
on Three Little Birds
Give thanks and Praise's
Juan Carlos Garcia
on Stir It Up
muy buena musica
Shaft Abdou
on One Love
on love
Felix CM
on Ganjah Gun
:)
Felix CM
on Stir It Up
ganjah gan
Assamoi Junior
on One Love
One love Bob marley
Assamoi Junior
on Waiting In Vain
Cool man
Faisal Alowais
on Stir It Up
best song owwwwwwwwwwwwwwww owy
Ca Sperez
on Stir It Up
muy buena rola