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Bob Marley's Biography

 
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Robert Nesta Marley, better known as Bob Marley, was born on 6 February 1945, in St. Anns, Jamaica.

His father was Norval Sinclair Marley, a white marine officer and his mother was Cedella Malcom, an 18-year old black woman.

When Bob Marley was a teenager, his mother moved the family to Kingston, ending up in the shantytown of Trenchtown. Whilst working as a welder, Bob Marley got together with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer.

In their early days they were ska orientated. Their first single was Simmer Down (1963). It was a huge hit in Jamaica and dozens of songs followed.

Bob Marley married vocalist Rita Anderson in 1966 and spent time with his mother who had gone to the USA. When he returned several months later, the music of the Wailers became much more overtly rasta.

The Wailers recorded some of the earliest reggae hits, and with the help of Lee Perry produced songs like Duppy Conqueror and Small Axe.

International success came after they joined Island Records. Their first album for Island was Catch a Fire and soon after they supported Bruce Springsteen.

Their next album was Burnin' which contained I Shot The Sheriff which was covered by Eric Clapton, as well as Get Up, Stand Up.

However, in 1974 Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left the group to pursue solo careers. They were replaced by a female vocal trio including Bob Marley's wife Rita.

They then enjoyed huge success with albums like Exodus and Kaya.

Bob Marley's religious and political views became increasingly important. He tried to be a force for peace in the midst of Jamaica's turbulent politics.

Just before the "One Love" peace concert, on 3 December 1976 gunmen broke into the Marley home and shot at the musician, his wife, and others.

He was awarded the United Nations Medal of Peace for the concert.

Bob Marley died from cancer on 11 May 1981, in Miami, Florida.



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