Bob Marley (No Reggae, No Peace)

No Reggae, No Peace
"...it's hard to compare him to other musicians, because music was just one part of what he was..."-Wyclef Jean (Former Fugees)

Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in a small village called Nine Miles, in Jamaica. His father was a white British Naval officer named Noval Marley, his mother's name was Cedelia. Bob launched his first record at the age of 16 in Kingston with a song called "Judge Not". In 1963 Bob formed a band called the Wailers launching "Summer Down", which became an instant hit in Jamaica. In 1972, international recognition came after the album Catch a Fire was released.

Later, due to some international problems, the original members left The Wailers leaving only Bob Marley. Bob Marley went on with a new band line up and released Natty Dread, which was a major success. Bob Marley's fans at that time includes Beatles George and Ringo, Bob Dylan and Jack Nicholson.

Bob Marley received a United Nations Peace Medal in New York after his concert on April 22, 1978. The concert witnessed two war-ring leaders in Jamaica shaking hands, an incredible event at the time. Being close related to politics in Jamaica made Bob Marley an assassination target. But he survived the attempt and went on with his concert with his hand on slings.

His last concert was on September 23, 1980 in Pittsburgh when he was already diagnosed of having brain and lung cancer. Bob died on May 11, 1981 in Miami and was buried in his birthplace, Nine Miles, in Jamaica. Today, reggae is considered the music of peace, friendship and happiness due to its slow and happy beat. Peace, man!!