Table of Contents
Latest News: Bob Marley’s Life Celebrated in New Biopic Bob Marley: One Love
Reggae legend Bob Marley is the focus of a new biopic, Bob Marley: One Love, with actor Kingsley Ben-Adir stepping into the role of the iconic musician. Marley, who passed away at the age of 36, remains a global symbol of reggae music and an advocate for peace. The film, now in theaters, highlights both his musical achievements and his personal life, featuring Lashana Lynch as his wife, Rita Marley.
Despite initial doubts about his suitability for the role, Ben-Adir embraced the challenge. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, he shared, “My question was if [the casting team] had been on a worldwide search, and they said yes. And I said maybe they should go on another one.” Although the actor was not a singer or dancer, he dedicated himself to learning the guitar and performed many of the film’s musical numbers, though only some of his vocals appear in the final cut.
The film aims to capture the essence of Marley’s profound influence on music and his lasting legacy as a cultural and political figure.
Who Was Bob Marley?
Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley played a pivotal role in popularizing reggae music globally and remains one of the genre’s most cherished artists, with over 75 million records sold. In 1963, Marley and his friends formed The Wailing Wailers, which later evolved into Bob Marley & The Wailers. The group gained significant recognition in 1972 after signing with Island Records, marking a turning point in their career. Throughout his life, Marley sold more than 20 million records, becoming the first international superstar to emerge from the developing world. A devoted father to 11 children, Marley succumbed to cancer in May 1981 at the age of 36.
Early Life
Born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6, 1945, in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica, Bob Marley’s early life was shaped by complex family dynamics. His mother, Cedella Malcolm (later known as Cedella Booker), married Norval Sinclair Marley, a white plantation supervisor from East Sussex, England, when she was just 18. The couple separated shortly after Bob’s birth, leaving Norval largely absent from his son’s life. Bob often spoke critically of his father in later years.
Marley spent his formative years in the rural village of Nine Miles, where he formed a close friendship with Neville “Bunny” O’Riley Livingston. Both attended the same school and shared a deep passion for music. Inspired by Bunny, Marley learned to play the guitar. Eventually, Bunny’s father and Marley’s mother became romantically involved, leading the two families to live together for a time in Kingston, as documented by Christopher John Farley in Before the Legend: The Rise of Bob Marley.
In the late 1950s, Marley relocated to Trench Town, one of Kingston’s impoverished neighborhoods. Although he faced significant struggles, the vibrant music scene around him provided both inspiration and hope. Trench Town was home to several successful local performers, earning it the nickname “the Motown of Jamaica.” Influences from American music also permeated the environment, with artists like Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, and the Drifters shaping Marley’s musical taste.
Devoting much of their youth to music, Marley and Livingston honed their skills under the mentorship of Joe Higgs, who helped Marley develop his vocal abilities. During this period, Marley met Peter McIntosh (later known as Peter Tosh), another student of Higgs, who would later play a crucial role in Marley’s musical journey.
Music Career Beginnings
Leslie Kong, a local record producer, recognized Bob Marley’s exceptional vocal talent and facilitated the recording of several singles, starting with “Judge Not,” released in 1962. Although Marley struggled to achieve success as a solo artist initially, he found greater opportunities by collaborating with friends. In 1963, Marley, along with Peter Tosh (born Winston McIntosh) and Bunny Livingston, formed The Wailing Wailers. Their debut single, “Simmer Down,” soared to the top of the Jamaican charts in January 1964, marking a significant milestone in their early career. The group later expanded to include Junior Braithwaite, Beverly Kelso, and Cherry Smith, gaining considerable popularity in Jamaica despite facing financial challenges. Eventually, Braithwaite, Kelso, and Smith departed from the group, leading to a temporary split among the remaining members. Marley then relocated to the United States to live with his mother.
After eight months, Marley returned to Jamaica and reunited with Livingston and McIntosh, reestablishing The Wailers. During this period, Marley delved into his spiritual journey, increasingly drawn to the Rastafarian movement. This movement, which emerged in Jamaica during the 1930s, amalgamated various influences, including the teachings of Jamaican nationalist Marcus Garvey, the biblical Old Testament, and the rich African heritage and culture. A significant aspect of Rastafarian beliefs is the sacred use of marijuana, referred to as the “holy herb,” which is thought to enhance spiritual awareness. Marley, a lifelong advocate for the legalization of marijuana, embraced its use as part of his lifestyle.
In the late 1960s, Marley collaborated with pop singer Johnny Nash, who achieved international acclaim with Marley’s composition “Stir It Up.” Additionally, The Wailers worked closely with producer Lee Perry during this time, resulting in several notable tracks, including “Trench Town Rock,” “Soul Rebel,” and “Four Hundred Years,” further solidifying their place in the music industry.
Wife: Rita Marley
In the mid-1960s, during a hiatus of The Wailers, Bob Marley married Alfarita “Rita” Anderson on February 10, 1966. Originally from Cuba, Rita moved to Jamaica, where she began singing in church as a child. As a teenager, she joined a vocal group known as The Soulettes, where she first met Marley, who provided her with coaching during her time in the group. Their professional collaboration continued when Rita became a member of the I-Threes.
Throughout their marriage, Bob and Rita shared five children. They remained married until Bob’s passing in 1981, despite Bob’s known extramarital affairs. Rita also engaged in her own relationships during their marriage, resulting in both partners having children with others. Reflecting on their complex relationship, Rita stated in a 2004 interview with BBC Caribbean.com, “As they say you grunt and bear [the infidelity], that’s what I had to do because I was so in love with this man, and love grew stronger; it’s not that it grew weaker.” As of July 2023, Rita is retired and resides in Miami.
Children
Bob Marley’s estate acknowledges 11 children, comprising nine biological children and two adopted. With Rita, Marley had five children, including two daughters that he adopted: Sharon, born in 1964 prior to their marriage, and Stephanie, born in 1974 from one of Rita’s extramarital relationships. The couple’s three biological children are daughter Cedella, born in 1967; son David, known as “Ziggy” Marley, born in 1968; and son Stephen, born in 1972.
Additionally, Marley fathered sons Robert (1972), Rohan (1972), Julian (1975), Ky-Mani (1976), and Damian (1978), along with daughter Karen (1973). Many of Marley’s children pursued careers in the music industry, with Ziggy, Stephen, Cedella, and Sharon performing together as Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers. Both Ziggy and Stephen have also established successful solo careers. Sons Damian, known as “Jr. Gong,” Ky-Mani, and Julian are recognized recording artists in their own right. Other Marley children are actively involved in family enterprises, including the Tuff Gong record label, which Bob founded in the mid-1960s.
Bob Marley & The Wailers: A Musical Journey
As Bob Marley embraced fatherhood, he simultaneously advanced his musical career. In 1970, The Wailers welcomed two new members: bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett and his brother, drummer Carlton “Carlie” Barrett. The following year, Marley collaborated with Johnny Nash on a movie soundtrack in Sweden, marking an important milestone in his evolving career.
The Wailers achieved a significant breakthrough in 1972 when they secured a contract with Island Records, founded by Chris Blackwell. Their debut album under this label, Catch a Fire, was released in 1973 to critical acclaim. To promote the album, The Wailers embarked on a tour across Britain and the United States, opening for prominent acts such as Bruce Springsteen and Sly & the Family Stone. That same year, they released their second album, Burnin’, which featured the hit song “I Shot the Sheriff.” This track garnered further attention when rock legend Eric Clapton covered it in 1974, resulting in a No. 1 hit in the United States.
Before the release of their next album, Natty Dread (1975), two of the original Wailers departed the group: McIntosh and Livingston, who chose to pursue solo careers as Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, respectively. Natty Dread reflected the political tensions in Jamaica, particularly the conflicts between the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). The song “Rebel Music (3 O’Clock Roadblock)” was inspired by Marley’s experience of being stopped by military personnel during the 1972 national elections, while “Revolution” was interpreted as Marley’s endorsement of the PNP.
During their subsequent tour, now performing as Bob Marley & The Wailers, the group collaborated with I-Threes, a female vocal trio consisting of Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt, and Marley’s wife, Rita. Their extensive touring efforts contributed significantly to the international popularity of reggae music. In 1975, they achieved their first Top 40 hit in the United Kingdom with “No Woman, No Cry.”
By this time, Marley had already garnered admiration as a star in Jamaica and was on the path to becoming a global music icon. His album Rastaman Vibration, released in 1976, made a substantial impact on the American music charts. Notably, the track “War” expressed his commitment to his faith and interest in political change. The song’s lyrics, derived from a speech by Haile Selassie, the 20th-century Ethiopian emperor revered as a spiritual leader in the Rastafarian movement, served as a powerful call for freedom from oppression, envisioning a new Africa devoid of colonial racial hierarchies.
The Assassination Attempt
While in Jamaica, Marley was viewed as a supporter of the People’s National Party, which led to tensions with rival factions. This political landscape likely contributed to the assassination attempt on Marley in December 1976.
On the night of December 3, while Marley & The Wailers were rehearsing for a concert at Kingston’s National Heroes Park, a group of gunmen attacked. Marley sustained injuries from gunfire, with bullets striking his sternum and bicep, while Rita was also shot in the head. Fortunately, both were not critically injured; however, their manager, Don Taylor, suffered five gunshot wounds and required surgery to survive. Despite the trauma of the attack, Marley made the decision to perform at the concert after careful consideration. The motivation behind the attack was never fully uncovered, and following the concert, Marley fled Jamaica the next day.
Later Albums and Songs
After relocating to London, Bob Marley focused on producing Exodus, which was released in 1977. The title track draws a parallel between the biblical narrative of Moses leading the Israelites from exile and Marley’s own circumstances, while also addressing the theme of returning to Africa. This concept of repatriation resonates with the ideas of activist Marcus Garvey, who advocated for the return of Africans and their descendants to their homeland. Released as a single, “Exodus” became a major hit in the United Kingdom, along with other tracks such as “Waiting in Vain” and “Jamming.” The album itself enjoyed remarkable success, remaining on the British charts for over a year and earning recognition as one of the greatest albums of all time.
In 1977, Marley experienced a significant health scare. In July, he sought treatment for what he believed was a minor injury to his toe, only to discover the presence of cancerous cells. Although doctors recommended amputation, Marley refused the procedure due to his religious beliefs. While working on Exodus, Bob Marley & The Wailers also recorded tracks that were later featured on the album Kaya (1978), which revolves around themes of love and includes hits such as “Satisfy My Soul” and “Is This Love.”
That same year, Marley returned to Jamaica to perform at the One Love Peace Concert, a significant event where he famously brought together Prime Minister Michael Manley of the People’s National Party (PNP) and opposition leader Edward Seaga of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) on stage. In 1978, Marley made his first visit to Africa, traveling to Kenya and Ethiopia—an especially significant country for him, as it is regarded as the spiritual homeland of Rastafarians. Inspired by his travels, the band’s subsequent album, Survival (1979), was seen as a call for unity and an end to oppression on the African continent.
In 1980, Bob Marley & The Wailers performed at the official independence ceremony for the newly established nation of Zimbabwe, and the United Nations awarded Marley its Medal of Peace that same year. The album Uprising (1980) achieved tremendous international success, featuring notable tracks like “Could You Be Loved” and “Redemption Song.” The latter, characterized by its poignant lyrics and social significance, showcases Marley’s exceptional songwriting abilities. One memorable line from the song reads, “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery / none but ourselves can free our minds.”
While on tour to promote Uprising, Bob Marley & The Wailers performed throughout Europe to large audiences. They had planned a series of concerts in the United States, but only managed to perform three shows—two at Madison Square Garden in New York City and one at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh—before Marley’s health deteriorated, preventing further performances.
Death
Bob Marley’s illness marked a resurgence of acral lentiginous melanoma, which had initially been diagnosed in his toe. Unfortunately, the cancer progressed and metastasized throughout his body, affecting vital organs including the brain, lungs, and liver. During a trip to Europe, Marley sought unconventional treatment in Germany and managed to combat the illness for several months. However, it soon became evident that his time was limited.
In a poignant effort to return to his cherished Jamaica to receive the Order of Merit from the Jamaican government, Marley set out on what would be his final journey. Regrettably, he was unable to complete this trip. Bob Marley passed away in Miami on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36.
Beloved by the Jamaican populace, Marley was honored with a grand farewell. Over 30,000 mourners attended his memorial service at the National Arena in Kingston, where heartfelt performances were given by Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt, alongside The Wailers.
Following his death, a protracted legal dispute ensued regarding Marley’s estate, as he had not left a will. According to reports from Rolling Stone, his widow, Rita Marley, was allegedly coerced into signing a fraudulent will in the late 1980s. Subsequently, the Jamaican government intervened and transferred control of the estate to Chris Blackwell, the head of Island Records. After a lengthy court battle, the Marley family regained possession of the estate in 1991.
Legacy: Museum, 2024 Movie, and More
In 1986, Rita Marley, the widow of the legendary musician Bob Marley, founded the Bob Marley Foundation. This organization aims to “perpetuate the spiritual, cultural, social, and musical ideals that guided and inspired Bob Marley during his lifetime.” Rita Marley continues to serve as the chairperson of the foundation. Additionally, she established the Bob Marley Museum at the site of the musician’s residence in Kingston, Jamaica, where he lived from 1975 until his passing. The museum showcases numerous personal artifacts belonging to Marley and features a theater, photo gallery, and record shop.
In 2001, Rita Marley played a pivotal role in organizing the re-release of 18 of her husband’s albums. She expressed her belief in the healing power of music, stating, “The music is a salve that will heal the world eventually, so we thought that this generation, which really didn’t get a chance to see Bob Marley and isn’t able to access some of his older selections, will now be able to do this.”
Marley’s enduring influence has also inspired several films. Notably, the 2012 documentary Marley, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald, weaves together interviews, previously unreleased tracks, and archival footage to narrate the story of Marley’s life and career.
On February 14, 2024, the biopic Bob Marley: One Love premiered in theaters, featuring actor Kingsley Ben-Adir in the lead role. Members of the Marley family were actively involved in the production of the film. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Ben-Adir revealed his initial concerns regarding his suitability for the role, primarily due to the significant difference in stature—he stands at 6 feet 2 inches while Marley was 5 feet 6 inches. To prepare for the role, Ben-Adir lost 40 pounds for his screen test, a decision he later described as excessive, stating, “It was too much. I felt sick; I wasn’t sleeping.” He noted the importance of discussions with the Marley family that emphasized capturing Bob’s essence and spirit rather than attempting to replicate him, which ultimately led to his acceptance of the role.
Decades after his passing, Bob Marley’s music continues to resonate globally. Billboard reported in 2015 that Marley had sold over 75 million records, including posthumous releases such as the multiplatinum greatest hits compilation Legends. In January 2018, music industry mogul Chris Blackwell sold the majority of his rights to Marley’s catalog to Primary Wave Music Publishing, a company known for its innovative branding and marketing strategies tailored for icons and legends in the music business.