Bob Marley was born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, to a Jamaican mother and a white Jamaican father of English descent.
Marley began his music career in the early 1960s with the group The Wailers, which included other reggae legends such as Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer.
Bob Marley is credited with popularizing reggae music around the world, and his music often addressed themes of love, peace, social justice, and resistance.
His 1977 album 'Exodus' was named Album of the Century by Time magazine in 1999 and includes classic tracks like 'Jamming,' 'One Love,' and 'Three Little Birds.'
Marley survived an assassination attempt at his home in Jamaica in 1976, just two days before a major concert aimed at promoting peace during a time of political turmoil in the country.
Bob Marley was a devout Rastafarian, and his faith deeply influenced his music, lyrics, and lifestyle. He often sang about themes related to Rastafarian beliefs, such as repatriation and spiritual liberation.
Marley fathered 11 children with seven different women, many of whom have pursued careers in music, including Ziggy Marley, Damian Marley, and Stephen Marley.
The iconic image of Bob Marley with a guitar, sporting dreadlocks, and a beaming smile has become a global symbol of peace, love, and resistance.
Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994, and his music continues to inspire and resonate with people worldwide.
His song 'Redemption Song,' released in 1980, was inspired by a speech given by Marcus Garvey, a key figure in the Rastafarian movement, and is considered one of Marley's most powerful and enduring songs.
Marley was diagnosed with melanoma, a form of skin cancer, in 1977. Despite his illness, he continued to tour and record music until his death in 1981 at the age of 36.
Bob Marley’s funeral in Jamaica was a major national event, with thousands of people attending to pay their respects. He was buried with his guitar, a Bible, and a bud of marijuana, symbolizing his faith and music.
The compilation album 'Legend,' released in 1984, remains one of the best-selling reggae albums of all time and features many of Marley's most beloved songs.
Marley's life and music have been celebrated in numerous films, books, and documentaries, including the critically acclaimed documentary 'Marley,' released in 2012.
Bob Marley's legacy continues to live on through his music, his influence on global culture, and his message of peace, love, and unity.
