Bob Marley, the legendary Jamaican musician, is known worldwide for his timeless reggae hits and profound messages of peace, unity, and love. With classics like “One Love”, “Redemption Song”, and “No Woman, No Cry”, Marley became the voice of a generation. But behind the music and the public image lies a treasure trove of fascinating facts that many people don't know. In this blog post, we dive into 10 little-known facts about Bob Marley that will blow your mind!
1. Bob Marley Was Half-White
While many associate Marley with his Jamaican heritage, he was actually of mixed race. His father, Norval Sinclair Marley, was a white Jamaican of English descent, and his mother, Cedella Booker, was a Black Jamaican. Growing up as a mixed-race child in rural Jamaica, Bob faced challenges and prejudices from both sides, which influenced his worldview and later inspired his music about unity and overcoming oppression.
2. He Was a Fan of Soccer
Marley’s love for soccer was as intense as his passion for music. Known for playing pickup games while on tour, Marley often played during breaks at the recording studio. His favorite team was Santos FC from Brazil, and he even became friends with Brazilian football legend Pelé. Marley once famously said, “Football is freedom,” showing how he found joy and liberation in the sport.
3. His Favorite Instrument Wasn’t the Guitar
Although Bob Marley is often seen with a guitar, his favorite instrument was actually the bass guitar. He believed that the bass was the heartbeat of reggae music and played a crucial role in setting the mood and rhythm of his songs. The deep, steady bass lines in his tracks are what give his music that signature feel, capturing listeners from the very first note.
4. He Survived an Assassination Attempt
In December 1976, two days before the "Smile Jamaica" concert, Marley, his wife Rita, and his manager Don Taylor were attacked by gunmen at his home in Kingston. Remarkably, Bob survived despite being shot in the arm. Instead of retreating, Marley performed at the concert two days later, famously saying, “The people who are trying to make this world worse aren't taking a day off. How can I?” His bravery and resilience became part of his legend.
5. Bob Marley Was a Rastafarian Icon
Bob Marley wasn’t just a musician—he was also a devout Rastafarian, a spiritual movement that began in Jamaica in the 1930s. Rastafarian beliefs are rooted in the worship of Haile Selassie, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, whom Rastafarians consider to be the second coming of Christ. Marley’s Rastafarian faith heavily influenced his music, lifestyle, and even his physical appearance, including his famous dreadlocks, which were a symbol of his religious beliefs.
6. He Almost Became a Palm Reader
Before finding success in music, Bob Marley trained as a welder in Kingston. However, his early interest in spirituality led him to briefly consider becoming a palm reader. Marley was fascinated with mysticism and had a deep belief in destiny and fate. While music ultimately became his calling, his early years in Jamaica’s working-class neighborhoods shaped his outlook on life and the themes in his music.
7. He Was Buried With His Guitar
Bob Marley’s passing in 1981 from cancer was a devastating loss for the music world. In keeping with his Rastafarian beliefs, Marley was buried with a number of meaningful items, including his Gibson Les Paul guitar, a Bible opened to Psalm 23, and a stalk of ganja, a plant revered by Rastafarians. These items symbolized his spiritual journey and his undying connection to music, faith, and his culture.
8. Bob Marley Was Awarded the United Nations Peace Medal
In 1978, Marley received the United Nations Peace Medal of the Third World for his efforts to promote peace and cultural unity. His 1978 "One Love Peace Concert" in Kingston, Jamaica, was a monumental event in which Marley famously brought together political rivals Michael Manley and Edward Seaga, who were leaders of opposing Jamaican political parties, to shake hands on stage. It was a bold move that showcased Marley’s commitment to healing divisions in his country and the world.
9. His Song “Redemption Song” Was Written During His Battle with Cancer
One of Bob Marley’s most iconic songs, “Redemption Song,” was written while he was battling cancer. The song’s acoustic, stripped-down style was a departure from his usual reggae beats, but its lyrics carried a powerful message about freedom and liberation. The line “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery” became an anthem for overcoming oppression, both personal and political, showing Marley’s strength even in his final days.
10. He Was Posthumously Awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Though Marley never won a Grammy during his lifetime, his influence on music was undeniable. In 2001, 20 years after his death, Bob Marley was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor recognized his immense contributions to music, his pioneering role in bringing reggae to the global stage, and the lasting impact of his message of peace, love, and unity.
Conclusion
Bob Marley’s legacy extends far beyond his music. His life was a tapestry of spirituality, activism, and unwavering dedication to spreading love and unity across the globe. While many know Marley for his timeless hits, these little-known facts give us a deeper insight into the man behind the music. From surviving an assassination attempt to becoming a symbol of peace, Bob Marley was a revolutionary whose life and legacy continue to inspire millions.
Want to dive deeper into Marley’s life and legacy? Explore more about his untold story, and see why he remains one of the greatest musical icons of all time!