At the age of 80, Bob Marley finds himself profoundly misunderstood. While his songs and legacy encapsulate messages of peace, love, social justice, and spirituality, they've often been reduced to a simplistic stereotype, portraying him solely as a symbol of the Rastafarian culture and its association with cannabis sacrament, often a victim of cultural appropriation. However, 2024 marks the release of "Bob Marley: One Love" (Reinaldo Marcus Green, 2024), a biopic aimed at redeeming his true importance, rather than perpetuating this stereotype. Should the film fall short, this piece stands ready to provide the depth Marley's legacy deserves.
Bob Marley spent his early years in the rural community of Nine Miles, where the residents maintained rich customs inherited from their African ancestry. Among these traditions was the cherished practice of storytelling, serving as a vital conduit for passing down ancestral wisdom and time-honoured traditions often omitted from official historical accounts. Through the sharing of proverbs, fables, and the daily chores integral to rural life, Marley's upbringing infused his adult songwriting with a profound sense of depth and mystique.
During Bob Marley's adolescence in the late 1950s, he returned to Jamaica's capital. He settled in the western Kingston area known as Trench Town, named for its construction over a sewage trench. Trench Town was a low-income community characterized by squatter settlements and government yard developments, each housing at least four families. Over there, he was nicknamed ‘Tuff Gong’ due to his street-fighting skills against rude boys and bad men from the neighbourhood. However, Trench Town was a culturally rich community where Bob Marley’s musical talent was nurtured. It was the setting behind “No Woman No Cry” (1974), “Trent Town Rock” (1975) and “Trench Town” (1983).
The early 1960s marked the dawn of island music, catalysing the emergence of a distinct Jamaican musical genre known as 'ska.' A homegrown interpretation of American soul and R&B, ska placed emphasis on the offbeat rhythm, captivating impoverished Jamaican youth and providing a much-needed respite from the challenges of their everyday lives. Within Jamaica's burgeoning music scene, the allure of fame and success became an attainable aspiration for many youths hailing from the inner-city ghettos, including Bob Marley.
At the age of 14, Bob Marley's mother arranged a job for him as a welder's apprentice, a role he initially accepted with reluctance. However, fate intervened when a tiny steel splinter lodged itself in Bob's eye, prompting a pivotal moment of decision. This incident served as the final straw, leading him to abandon welding and fully dedicate himself to his musical aspirations.
At the age of 16, Bob Marley crossed paths with Desmond Dekker, an aspiring singer who later achieved UK chart-topping success in 1969 with his hit single "Israelites". Dekker then introduced Marley to another young talent, Jimmy Cliff, who would later become renowned for his role in the iconic Jamaican film "The Harder They Come". At just 14 years old, Cliff had already made a mark in the music industry with several hit songs to his name. In 1962, Cliff facilitated Marley's introduction to producer Leslie Kong, under whose guidance Marley recorded his initial singles: "Judge Not", "Terror", and a cover of Claude Gray's million-selling country hit "One More Cup of Coffee."
Despite Marley's talent, these early releases failed to resonate with the public, and he received a meagre payment of $20.00 – a reflection of the exploitative practices prevalent in Jamaica's nascent music scene. It's said that Marley prophesied to Kong that his recordings would eventually yield significant financial gains, though he wouldn't live to enjoy them. Tragically, years later, Kong suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 37 after releasing a best-of compilation of The Wailers against the group's wishes.
In 1963, Bob Marley and his childhood friend Neville Livingston, known as Bunny Wailer, began attending vocal classes held by Joe Higgs, a successful singer and Trench Town resident. Higgs mentored them on rhythm, harmony, and melody, and introduced them to Peter Tosh. Together, they formed Bob Marley and the Wailers. The group was later introduced to Clement Sir Coxsone Dodd, founder of Studio One, a seminal Jamaican record label.
Inspired by American vocal group Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions, the Wailers infused their music with poignant lyrics that resonated with Jamaica's impoverished population. Their debut single for Studio One, "Simmer Down," sold over 80,000 copies and urged ghetto youths to temper their anger. Under Coxsone's guidance, the Wailers produced hits like "Rude Boy" and "One Love."
By the mid-1960s, ska had evolved into the laid-back rocksteady sound, which paved the way for Jamaica's distinctive reggae rhythm around 1968. Despite this shift, Dodd did not adapt his label's releases, nor did he embrace lyrics infused with Rastafarian beliefs. This, coupled with financial disputes, led to the Wailers' departure from Studio One.
In 1966, Bob Marley worked as a DuPont lab assistant and on an assembly line at a Chrysler plant under the alias Donald Marley in Delaware. Meanwhile at home in Jamaica, there was a visit from Haile Selassie. His Majesty is revered as Lord and Savior, according to Rastafarian beliefs and his visit to Jamaica had a profound impact upon Rita and Bob. Bob soon adopted the Rastafarian way of life and began wearing his hair in dreadlocks.
Rastafarianism is a religious and cultural movement that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. It centres around the belief in the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, who Rastafarians consider to be the earthly embodiment of God, or Jah. Rastafarians advocate for social justice, equality, and repatriation to Africa, particularly Ethiopia. They often use marijuana as a sacrament in religious rituals and ceremonies. Dreadlocks, a vegetarian diet, and reggae music are also associated with Rastafarian culture. They often use symbolic colours, such as red, gold, and green, which represent the blood of martyrs, the wealth of Africa, and the lush vegetation of the homeland, respectively. They also engage in rituals such as reasoning (group discussions) and nyabinghi drumming sessions. Rastafarianism is not just a religious movement but also a social and political one against racism, colonialism, and social injustice.
Upon Bob's return to Jamaica, The Wailers founded the Wail 'N' Soul 'M' label and record shop. This venture was named after its main acts: The Wailers and the Soulettes, a female vocal trio led by Rita Marley, Bob's wife. Despite releasing a few successful singles like "Bend Down Low" and "Mellow Mood," the Wailers had to disband Wail 'N' Soul 'M' in 1968 due to resource constraints.
The 1970s in Jamaica were marked by widespread unemployment, limited food supplies, political violence, and IMF control over the economy. These challenges deeply influenced Bob Marley's socially conscious lyrics. In 1970, The Wailers partnered with Lee "Scratch" Perry, creating groundbreaking tracks like "Duppy Conqueror" and "Soul Rebel" for the album "Soul Rebels." However, they severed ties with Perry due to royalty disputes.
In 1971, Bob Marley signed with CBS Records after collaborating with Johnny Nash in Sweden. Despite CBS Records' lack of confidence, Marley found support from Chris Blackwell at Island Records, leading to the release of "Catch A Fire" in 1973. The album's success propelled Marley's career, and tours in the US and Britain followed. The departure of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer in 1974 marked a transition for The Wailers.
In 1971, Bob Marley collaborated with Johnny Nash in Sweden, leading to a contract with CBS Records. By 1972, The Wailers were in London promoting "Reggae On Broadway," but CBS Records abandoned them. Marley then visited Island Records, where Chris Blackwell offered financial support, leading to the release of "Catch A Fire" in 1973. After a successful European tour, "Bob Marley and the Wailers Live!" was released, featuring performances from London's Lyceum Theater.
In 1974, "Natty Dread" marked the first credited album to Bob Marley and The Wailers, introducing the I-Threes and new band members. The album's success solidified Marley's global status. The following year, "Rastaman Vibration" catapulted Marley to international stardom, with hits like "War" and "Crazy Baldhead" spreading Rastafarian teachings. Despite his growing influence, tensions in Jamaica led to an assassination attempt on Marley's life in 1976. He defiantly performed at the Smile Jamaica concert before seeking refuge in London, where he recorded "Exodus" and "Kaya." These albums brought commercial success and critical acclaim, with "Exodus" staying on the UK charts for 56 weeks. Marley's return to Jamaica for the One Love Peace Concert in 1978 showcased his efforts to bridge political divides, earning him the United Nations Medal of Peace later that year.
In late 1978, Bob Marley made his first journey to Africa, visiting Kenya and Ethiopia, the crib of Rastafari. During his time in Ethiopia, he stayed in Shashamane, a communal settlement given to Rastafarians by Emperor Haile Selassie I. Marley also visited Addis Ababa, exploring sites significant to Ethiopian history.
That year, Bob Marley and The Wailers released their second critically acclaimed live album, "Babylon by Bus," showcasing their tours of Europe and America. In April 1979, they toured Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where they were welcomed by the Maori people with traditional ceremonies.
In the fall of 1979, Marley released "Survival," featuring iconic tracks like "Wake Up and Live," "So Much Trouble in The World," and "One Drop." The album championed pan-African solidarity, with songs like "Africa Unite" and "Zimbabwe," which became an anthem for the soon-to-be liberated Rhodesia.
In April 1980, Marley and The Wailers performed at Zimbabwe's Independence Ceremony, reaffirming their significance throughout the African Diaspora. During the concert, a massive crowd surged forward, breaking gates and causing chaos. Despite tear gas and fumes, Marley returned to perform "Zimbabwe" and later staged a free show for nearly 80,000 people.
Marley's final album released during his lifetime, "Uprising," furthered his connection with African American audiences with tracks like "Could You Be Loved," which blended reggae with disco. The album also featured contemplative songs like "Redemption Song," which has been covered by numerous artists.
In 1980, Bob Marley and The Wailers embarked on a major European tour, breaking attendance records. Their performance in Milan drew a crowd of 110,000, the largest of their career. The US leg of the "Uprising" tour included sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden and concluded with a historic performance at the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh on September 23, 1980.
Pittsburgh marked Bob Marley's final concert, yet his posthumous achievements are numerous. He was awarded Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the nation's third highest honor, for his significant cultural contributions. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Marley's album "Exodus" was named Album of the Century by Time Magazine, while his song "One Love" was designated Song of the Millennium by the BBC. His compilation album "Legend," released in 1984, has consistently sold over 250,000 copies annually since 1984, making it one of the 17 albums to exceed sales of 10 million copies since SoundScan began tabulations in 1991.
Although Marley never received a Grammy nomination during his lifetime, he was posthumously honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. This prestigious award recognizes performers who have made outstanding artistic contributions to the recording industry throughout their lifetimes.
Besides the world of music and Jamaica, Bob Marley was revolutionary. He paved the way for not the world of music with fusion from reggae, ska and rocksteady, but used his platform to advocate his community rights and awareness to others. He remains unparalleled, irrespective of race, colour, or creed. Bob Marley’s revolutionary-yet-unifying music, challenging colonialism, racism, “fighting against ism and scism” as he sang in “One Drop”, has had profound effects even in countries where English isn’t widely spoken. Beyond decades, the messages in his songs transcend over generations about peace, freedom, and redemption.