Happy Birthday Bob Marley!

The late Reggae singer would have been 68 years of age.

“One Love/People Get Ready,” “War,” “No Woman No Cry,” “I Shot The Sheriff” – all songs that pop up when Bob Marley comes to mind. In the 31 years since his untimely death, Marley is still the most popular figure in Reggae music. Marley was born in the village of Nine Mile in Saint Ann Parish in Jamaica—the same birthplace of Marcus Garvey. He converted to Rastafarianism in the 1960s, captivated by the Pan-African message of Marcus Garvey and the story of Haile Selassie I. His music was initially modeled after American pop and soul but as his faith grew so did the militant undertone of his music.

Marley passed away at age 36 in 1981, succumbing to cancer. His passing shook the reggae and music community to its core but his legacy remains in tact with a timeless music catalog and talented children. His sons Ziggy and Damian Marley have both made a name for themselves in the music industry; Ziggy, as part of the Melody Makers band and Damian as a dancehall rapper. (NewOne)

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