Happy Birthday Bob Marley

“Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold” - Bob Marley

(Bob Marley)

Bob Marley was born as Robert Marley on February 6th, 1945 in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica. Marley’s father was a White man from England whom he rarely ever saw. Marley started to play music while in elementary school. When Marley was 12 his family moved to Trenchtown, Kingston, Jamaica.

(Marley as a teenager)

He then formed a band while in high school. Marley was more interested in being just a vocalist than a musician. Eventually Marley was taught to play guitar.

(Marley as a young man)

In 1962 Marley recorded 4 songs. In 1963 Marley’s band was called “The Teenagers”. The then changed their name to “The Wailing Rudeboys” then to “The Wailing Wailers”. Finally their name was changed to “The Wailers”. Marley became interested in Rastafari beliefs. In 1966 2 members left the Wailers leaving it to Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh.

(Marley (Center) with the Wailers in 1966)

Also in 1966 Marley married Rita Anderson and moved to Wilmington, Delaware, USA for a short time.

(Marley (Left) with Rita Anderson)

After returning to Jamaica Marley officially converted to Rastafari. In 1972 Marley signed with CBS Records.

(Marley in 1972)

The Wailers then toured with Johnny Nash. The Wailers then were signed to Island Records. In 1973 The Wailers released “Catch a Fire” and “Burnin’”. The single “I Shot the Sheriff” gained a lot of attention and reached No. 1 on the Billboard hot 100.

(Marley in 1974)

The Wailers then opened 4 shows for Sly & the Family Stone. In 1974 the Wailers broke up. Marley still recorded under “Bob Marley & The Wailers”. In 1975 Marley had an international hit with the single “No Woman, No Cry”.

(Marley in 1975)

In 1976 his album “Rastaman Vibration” reached the top 50 in the Billboard Soul chart. During a concert in Jamaica Marley and his wife was wounded by a gunshot. Marley still performed even after being shot twice.

(Marley after being shot)

Marley then left Jamaica in 1976 and went to England. While in London Marley was arrested for marijuana possession. In 1977 Marley was diagnosed with cancer. In 1978 Marley moved back to Jamaica. In 1979 Marley released “Survival” which showed his strong opposition to South African apartheid. In 1980 Marley performed at Zimbabwe’s independence celebration.

(Marley in Zimbabwe in 1980)

In 1980 Marley released his last album “Uprising”. In September of 1980 Marley performed his last concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

(Marley in 1980)

On May 11th, 1981 Bob Marley died of cancer in Miami, Florida, USA. He was 36 years old.

(Marley’s funeral)

Today is his 72nd birthday and we would all like to say happy birthday and rest in peace Bob Marley.

Albums by Bob Marley and the Wailers

• “The Wailing Wailers” (1965)
• “Soul Rebels” (1970)
• “Soul Revolution” (1971)
• “Catch a Fire” (1973)
• “Burnin'” (1973)
• “Natty Dread” (1974)
• “Rastaman Vibration” (1976)
• “Exodus” (1977)
• “Kaya” (1978)
• “Survival” (1979)
• “Uprising” (1980)
• “Confrontation” (1983)  

Videos of Bob Marley

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBw6N8MDCb0  “Bob Marley Denouncing Material Things (Riches)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTY8H7zjdtc  “One Love Bob Marley official video (HD)”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGqrvn3q1oo  “Bob marley "no woman no cry" 1979”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G22vnqYCPTI  “Bob Marley Zimbabwe Independence 1980”
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Csk8I3wLmk  “Bob Marley - Redemption Song (Live - Jamaica 1980)”