Marley, Bob (1945-1981), was a Jamaican musician and composer. He popularized a style of music called reggae. Reggae songs feature lyrics about social problems. The music is dominated by the rhythms of electric guitars and drums. See Reggae.
Robert Nesta Marley was born on Feb. 6, 1945, in St. Ann’s, Jamaica. He made his first record at the age of 17. In 1963, Marley formed a group called the Wailers that included Bunny Livingston and Peter Tosh. Marley was the group’s lead guitarist and eventually its lead vocalist. By 1968, Marley had converted to the Rastafarian faith, a Jamaican religion. His music strongly reflected his beliefs.
Marley’s fame began to spread internationally after he signed a record contract with a British company in 1972. Marley led several later versions of the Wailers. He spread reggae throughout the world, especially its message of political protest. Marley composed a number of reggae standards. His songs of political protest include “Exodus,” “Zimbabwe,” “Rebel Music,” and “Get Up, Stand Up.” His other popular songs include “Stir It Up,” “One Love/People Get Ready,” “No Woman, No Cry,” and “Jamming.” He also wrote “I Shot the Sheriff,” which became a hit in a recording by the English rock musician Eric Clapton in 1974.
Marley died of cancer on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Marley’s music was carried on by his children, notably his son David “Ziggy” Marley.
