Life of Bob Marley

Gabrielle Coelho ENC 1101 Informative Essay Bob Marley “Who are you to judge the life I live, I know I’m not perfect and I don’t live to be, but before you point fingers make sure your hands are clean”, one of my favorite Bob Marley quotes; I know it by heart. This quote is perfect to me because I know I’m not perfect and I don’t allow anybody to judge my lifestyle or decisions especially if they have or made the same or worse decisions. I grew up listening to Bob Marley’s music because of my dad. Nobody loves reggae or Bob Marley more than my dad.

So ever since I’ve been little I’ve had a love for Bob Marley. Bob Marley, born Robert Nesta Marley, is a singer, song writer and musician. He was the most widely known reggae performer and was a great aid in spreading Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement. Marley first began his career as the lead singer of the music band “Bob Marley and the Wailers”, making songs such as “I Shot the Sheriff” and “Get Up Stand Up” which are still known today. The Wailers later broke up while each of the members continued to pursue solo careers.

Marley later had his first international hit, outside of Jamaica “No Woman No Cry”. Marley was also very much involved with the social and political issues going on in Jamaica. He held rallies and free concerts, which some turned violent where Marley was shot, but fully recovered after. Bob Marley had many children; two from is wife Rita Anderson, two adopted from Rita’s previous relationship and several others from different women, according to the Bob Marley official website. Bob also has many grandchild, a few I personally know myself from middle school.

Most of Marley’s children and grandchildren reside in Miami now. Bob Marley continued to make the best lyrical and influential reggae music, with songs like “One Love”, “Jamming” and “Redemption Song”. In July 1977, Marley discovered a type of melanoma under his toe, which was a symptom of already existing cancer. Doctors told Marley that he should get his toe amputated, but refused because of his religious beliefs. Despite his illness Marley continued on with his world tour up until his final show in at the Stanley theater in Pittsburg.

Marley became very ill and the cancer spread through out his body. After fighting the cancer for eight months without success Marley died on the morning of May 11, 1981, in the Cedars of Lebanon hospital in Miami. All in all, Bob Marley introduced the world to the mystic power of reggae. His influential music is loved by everybody all over the world. His music was educational, lyrical and very positive. Bob Marley always stood up for what he believed him which is why I adore him too. Marley is still very popular after his death and his legacy still lives on today.