Bob Marley - A Modern Day Legend
A Tribute to Bob
by Leanne Minichillo
Arguably, it is those who do not have the intention of effecting change that originate the revolution. Refusing to incorporate politics into his music in an effort to encourage oneness amongst citizens of the world, legendary reggae musician Bob Marley became one of the most prolific rebels of our time.
The year 2005 marks the 60th birthday of Bob Marley, and celebrations to honour his memory are taking place around the globe.
The Honourable P.J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica, declared that the government would partner with several state agencies, organizations, and individuals to honour Marley in a year-long celebration. "[Bob Marley's] message of peace and love, in the face of formidable social and political challenges of the African people and their descendants, continues to have resonance in our hearts and minds today," says PM Patterson, who credits Marley as being the first Jamaican artist to reach international stardom.
From his birth to a black mother and seldom-present white father on February 6, 1945, Robert Nesta Marley grew up in the St. Ann countryside of Jamaica, later moving to the Trench Town ghetto in Kingston. Rarely seen without his guitar, the young Marley aspired to create music. Due to poverty-stricken conditions, Marley and his family were unable to buy records, so they sought entertainment elsewhere. Listening to spiritual music offered Marley insight into a world beyond Kingston.
In 1962, Jamaica declared its independence from British Colonial rule and with the political shift came a change in Jamaican attitudes. The country was now self-governing and wanted its own unique culture. At the time, the only music that radio stations would play was British and American imports. Intent upon revealing a distinct national culture, the Jamaican ska movement emerged. The smooth and lively rhythms of ska had been felt by the island's youth for a while, the time had finally come to raise the genre from the underground, and bring it into the mainstream.
In the early 1960s, making music was the quickest way out of the ghetto. With his guitar in hand and an unwavering drive, Bob Marley began to sing his heart out. At 16, Marley began releasing music including "One Cup of Coffee", but the songs failed to gain the mainstream public's attention. Soon after, Marley and his newly formed group, The Wailers, consisting of Bunny Livingstone, Peter Tosh and Junior Braithwaite borrowed instruments to record, only to have their music land in the hands of amoral producers who retained the royalties, and paid the band very little in return.
The Wailers searched for other methods to offer their art to the masses. After the success of "Simmer Down", Bob Marley and The Wailers began steadily recording with StudioOne's Clement "Coxsone" Dodd. Marley's journey to superstardom had begun.
In 1966, Marley's mother, Cedella Booker, moved to Delaware in search of work. After marrying Rita Anderson, Marley left to visit his mother in the U.S. It was during this time that Marley witnessed the black civil rights movement first hand, culminating into a series of events that would influence his writing, and lead to songs like "Burnin' and Lootin'".
Upon his return to Jamaica, Marley's attitudes toward the world and its politics had been altered. He sought out the Rastafarians, a cultural group indigenous to Jamaica, who base their beliefs upon the Bible and the teachings of Ethiopia's King Haille Selassie. As Marley developed a spiritual relationship with the Rastafarians, the enlightenment that he received would revolutionize his music in the years to come, and define Marley as the great philosopher and artist he is known as today.
The Wailers began writing and performing music to channel their anger toward the seemingly unjust music industry in Jamaica. Fueled by their desire for freedom and musical integrity, The Wailers often took matters into their own hands, and at times used force to make radio stations play their music.
The Wailers later began collaborating Lee "Scratch" Perry, formerly of Studio One. Although short-lived, many say the year The Wailers spent working with Perry produced the finest music of the group's career. With unwavering encouragement, and most importantly, acceptance, Perry created a new, and uplifting style of music for the group.
The Wailers ended their relationship with Perry after he sold the rights to their music to England's Trojan Records, who in turn released the albums African Herbsman and Soul Rebels, and Soul Revolution Part II. As a result the group launched their own label, Tuff Gong Studios.
Located on Kingston's famous Hope Road, Tuff Gong was intended for Bob Marley and The Wailers to reap the rewards of their work, instead of allowing other producers to pay them pennies and exploit their music for hefty profits. After releasing a handful of singles over the span of a year, The Wailers signed with Island Records' Chris Blackwell, who began promoting the band as a black rock group to international audiences. Catch a Fire was the first album released outside of Jamaica, and earned The Wailers and their brand of reggae music international popularity. The follow-up album, Burnin, only went on to strengthen the notoriety of the talented Jamaican group.
But in 1973, Bunny Livingstone left the group because he didn't like touring.
Peter Tosh left soon after to find his own success.
With his vast talent, formidable drive, and devout faith in the dogma of Rastafari, Marley ventured into his own solo career; a forced decision that at first seemed distressing, but soon resulted in his launch and consequent success as an innovative and revolutionary musical champion. Desiring to remain without political bias, Marley intended his songs to exemplify the plight of Africans worldwide, and began with his homeland, Jamaica.
Using his inspirational and politics-free lyrics, Marley's mission was to provide an easy and accessible source of news for Jamaicans living in the ghettos, so that they would be able to familiarize themselves with the current social adversity they faced. His tactics proved successful, and Marley acquired an enormous following as a musician and teacher.
In the mid-70's, Marley's music was used in the campaigns of Jamaican party leaders Michael Manley of the PNP (Peoples' National Party), and Edward Seaga of the JLP (Jamaican Labour Party). Wanting to steer clear of political partiality, Marley made his stance clearly known. When the office of PM Manley decided to host the Smile Jamaica concert Marley was "invited" to perform. Marley declined the invitation. Shortly after, gunmen attacked Marley's home, and he would suffer a gunshot wound to the arm. Following the ordeal, Marley performed at the concert, and then quickly left for England.
Upon returning to Jamaica in 1978 with newfound celebrity, Marley hoped to bring positive vibes to the country's ensuing civil unrest. Marley was asked to perform at the One Love Peace Concert; an initiative intended to formalize a truce between the warring parties and their supporters. In what was perhaps one of the most unintentional political mediations, Marley spontaneously called Opposition Leader Edward Seaga and Prime Minister Michael Manley to the stage. The pair then triumphantly raised their joined hands into the air, and the once-clashing crowd of supporters erupted into a massive cheer.
Seeking a peaceful world, Marley wanted to take his music to Africa; however, in the Apartheid-ridden country of South Africa, his music was heavily censored, bleeping out any idea that might incite an uprising.
Marley was diagnosed with melanoma cancer in 1977, and it would quickly spread to his lungs and brain and on May 11, 1981 the 36-year-old musician and icon died in Miami, surrounded by his family.
It is clear, Marley's message and popularity is as relevant today as it was during his time, and surely cannot be forgotten. Robin Ellins, proprietor of The Friendly Stranger, a cannabis culture shop in downtown Toronto, attributes part of his business' success to the one-of-a-kind Bob Marley print that hangs high in his store. "He's always been there, watching over us. He brings a good vibe to the store," Ellins says. "Because of his presence in the store, his vibe is imparted to the clientele, whether they're aware of it or not." The Friendly Stranger also carries Bob Marley candles, stickers, patches, tins and rolling papers, all licensed by the estate of Bob Marley. "We're proud that we can sell these items because the money goes directly to Marley's estate," Ellins adds.
Indeed, a man who would be old enough to be the grandfather of a generation is still revered. Today's reggae climate has certainly evolved from the conscious, message-based music of Bob Marley and The Wailers. In recent decades, the genre has made the jump to North American mainstream popularity, leading to commercial production, and what some 'purists' might class as second-rate reggae music and performers. Blessed, known for his conscious style of reggae, agrees but feels his 2002 Juno Award-winning song, "Love" (African Woman) exhibits how Marley's style is still a major influence in today's musical landscape. "There are a lot of negative lyrics around right now that wouldn't be out if [Marley] were still alive," Blessed says. "We need to get back to where Bob was… he was original, instead of taking peoples' melodies, and putting our own lyrics to it, because that's where the music stops growing."
Today, Bob Marley's legacy continues to thrive. A young boy who went from the country to the city with a guitar and a zealous enthusiasm for music, having absolutely no agenda but to spread peace and love is, today, an extolled member of the world's most celebrated intellects. Tuff Gong Records is still the premiere studio for many current reggae artists, including Burning Spear, Melody Makers, and Rita Marley. Tuff Gong Books was established to bring the wisdom of Bob Marley's lyrics to children through vividly illustrated publications, including Three Little Birds, and to adults with contemplative texts like 60 Visions: A Book of Prophecy.
Both a peacekeeper and a rebel, Marley's life exemplifies what one can do when motivated by righteousness. His popularity and vision changed the course of history, making him as well known today as he was in the 1970's. Because of this, the life and legacy of Bob Marley will continue to be associated with truth and fervor for many generations to come.
One love.
*published in Urbanology Volume 1, Issue 4 - Fall, 2005.