Synopsis
Bob Marley's music became the anthem of a displaced generation and the power behind his lyrics remains to this day. He taught the world what real reggae music was about. An island boy, born in Jamaica, in 1945, of mixed-race parents, Marley is the only reggae star to reach international status. He made his first recording at the age of 17 and at 19 began singing with The Wailers (originally called The Wailing Rudeboys). A strong Rastafarian (jailed in the States for possession of marijuana), Marley's lyrics drew hugely on his religious and political views; the lyrics of 'War' on his celebrated 'Rastaman Vibrations' album are from a speech made by Haile Selassie. From being Jamaica's local hero, Marley suddenly found international cult status after hugely successful tours of the UK and US in 1975. His song lyrics made it difficult for him to live in a politically tense homeland beleagured by violent unrest and in 1976 Marley was shot -- the identity of the gunmen was never discovered. Marley survived, but began spending more of his time in the States, although his roots always remained in Jamaica. The man who brought reggae to the world died tragically of brain cancer on 11 May 1981, but his legend lives on in all who sing and listen to reggae today. Book jacket., Presents quotations from friends, famous contemporaries, and Marley himself on the life and career of the famous reggae musician.
