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CLINTON LINDSAY » BREAKING NEWS, GUEST RUNDOWNS » BOB MARLEY – THE RISE OF A LEGEND!

BOB MARLEY – THE RISE OF A LEGEND!

 Bob Marley—

This is the first of a seven-part feature, commissioned by Red Stripe, celebrating the life and legacy of the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley, OM, on the 71st anniversary of his birth.

NO music so defines a nation as Jamaica’s iconic reggae. Evolving from ska and rocksteady, the genre emerged in the 1960s, grabbing the attention of gifted musicians and singers who would later become giants. But none would be greater than young Robert Nesta Marley.

The year was 1962, and the song was Judge Not, a ska tune that was Marley’s first recording at 16. Few suspected that the diminutive artiste from rustic Nine Miles in St Ann would be as impactful as he was, but by 1964 Bob Marley and the Wailers had made a name for themselves.

“They had a significant impact. As a vocal group, they were peerless,” said disc jock Bunny Goodison. “Ska was considered rude boy music, and the Wailers were at the forefront of that music,” he said.

 NattyDread:albumcover
 MOVING TOWARDS CHANGE

Rocksteady brought a turning point in Jamaica’s music history. As remarkable as that was, however, no one could have dreamed what was to come with the growing popularity of reggae and the lasting impact of the music and Marley himself. By the mid-1970’s, and with the release of his third album, Natty Dread, Marley had firmly cemented his place in reggae history. “He’s had a serious influence on me. I take the words from his songs to help guide my life,” said recording artist Tony Rebel.

Reggae moved the everyday man with its message of resistance and upliftment. Marley became a beacon for change in Jamaica’s attitudes toward social justice and political solidarity. “I know every word from Jah Will Be Waiting There. I think dat song sum up him life,” said Rebel.

Tony Rebel

Tony Rebel

BECOMING AN ICON

Marley’s music transcended social barriers to define him as one of the greatest musical icons with an impact that would ride on into the history books. More significant than his impact on the local scene was his ability to successfully translate his message for international audiences.

The world knew Marley, and grew to love him. Tours took him and his sweet songs of freedom around the globe, garnering massive exposure for his small island home.

Marley died of cancer in Florida in 1981, but his legacy continues through his music and the work of the Bob Marley Foundation, which leads yearly celebrations of his life and work.

Bob Marley

Bob Marley

As Jamaica marks the 71st birthday of this reggae legend, the Marley Foundation has partnered with the Sandals Foundation to support a regional charity that works to empower women. Additionally, through a partnership with the Bob Marley Foundation, corporate giant Red Stripe has pledged $1 million to support the Reggae Girlz, who play the sport that was near and dear to Marley. The beer company will also honor Marley with a special limited-edition bottle for Lemon Paradise Beer during February.

RedstripeBeer

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