Short Biography of Bob Marley

Bob Marley: A Musical Legacy

The Beginning

Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945. He was a Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter, musician, and guitarist who achieved international fame and acclaim. Starting out in 1963 with the group The Wailers, he forged a distinctive songwriting and vocal style that later resonated with audiences worldwide. After The Wailers disbanded in 1974, Marley pursued a solo career that culminated in the release of the album Exodus in 1977. This album established his worldwide reputation and solidified his status as one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, with sales of more than 75 million records.

Rastafari

Bob Marley was a committed Rastafari, an Abrahamic religion that developed in Jamaica in the 1930s. This religion infused his music with a sense of spirituality. The Rastafari movement played a crucial role in the development of reggae music. As a staunch proponent of Rastafari, Bob Marley took reggae music out of the socially deprived areas of Jamaica and onto the international music scene.

Illness and Death

In July 1977, Marley was diagnosed with a type of malignant melanoma under the nail of a toe. He declined his doctors’ advice to have his toe amputated due to his religious beliefs. Despite his illness, he continued touring until his health deteriorated as the cancer spread throughout his body. He passed away on May 11, 1981, at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami (now University of Miami Hospital) at the age of 36. The melanoma had spread to his lungs and brain, leading to his demise. His final words to his son Ziggy were:

“Money can’t buy life.”