Bob Marley Day

Bob Marley Day: The Reggae Tradition Continues

Bob Marley is a legend in the music industry who popularized reggae music (a style of music that emerged in Jamaica) and has inspired and captivated people from all cultures and walks of life through his songs. In 1991, Bob Marley Day was officially set on his birthday, February 6 to commemorate and give tribute to this great man.

Bob Marley’s Legacy
Years after his death, Marley’s music continues to inspire inventiveness and depth in the work of various artists. Young and old alike continue to patronize his music, and devoted fans never fail to give tribute to him until this day.

An International Ambassador of Peace, Marley made his voice heard through music and made people know of his fight for the preservation of humanity. He was passionate about a number of humanitarian concerns namely poverty, inequality, and oppression of the blacks to name a few. His distinct composition of songs allowed him to express such beliefs which earned him a significant amount of praise from various groups and organizations including the United Nations.

Marley’s Beginnings
Born on February 6, 1945 in Nine Miles Saint Ann, Jamaica; Robert Nesta Marley was the first and only son of Norval Sinclair Marley and Cedella Booker. He came from a mixed racial background, his father being a white Jamaican with British roots and his mother a black Jamaican making Marley a mulatto. Growing up, he had endured mockery and prejudice because of his mixed race. Having been called a number of names and bullied in the streets of his hometown, he learned to protect himself and was known to be a physically tough man. Thus, he was also known as Tuff Gong, a nickname he earned from his tough guy reputation.

Born and raised in poverty, he had struggled through a tough life and had to earn his place without any favors from anyone. Talent, dedication, and passion sent him on his way to superstardom.

Despite his success, he continued to sail through various hardships. He successfully overcame tribulations including an attempt made on his life that almost killed him and his wife Rita back in December of 1976. This was believed to have been a politically-motivated assault which Marley survived, his spirit as strong and as passionate since the beginning of his music career.

Bob Marley as a Spiritual Figure
Unknown to some, this music legend was also a spiritual figure in Jamaica. Rastafarianism, the religion of Marley was of great influence to his beliefs and his ways. His previous band mates from the Wailers, his music group before going solo, were also firm believers of the same religion. Marley and his popular dreadlock look was a Rastafari habit, and his use of cannabis (marijuana) was also an integral part of his Rastafari beliefs.

Furthermore, Bob Marley took his beliefs seriously to the extent of refusing the amputation of his cancer-infected leg. This eventually caused his death on May 11, 1981; the cancer had spread to the rest of his body. Even after his demise, this Natural Mystic continues to live on in the hearts of many, having made the world a much better place with the soul he had brought to the music scene.

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