BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN the archives of the greatest singers that ever lived, Jamaica’s Godfather of Reggae Music Bob Marley is a top contender, but as the world recognises the 69th anniversary of his birth, we take a look back at his life.
Nesta Robert Marley - better known by his stage name Bob Marley - was born on the 6th February 1945 and as a young Jamaican singer-songwriter who achieved international fame through a series of crossover reggae albums.
Starting out in 1963 with the group The Wailers, ‘Brother Bob’ combined a unique songwriting and vocal style that would later echo with audiences worldwide. The Wailers would later go on to release some of the earliest reggae records with producer Lee Scratch Perry.
After the Wailers separated in 1974, Marley pursued a solo career which saw the release of the world renowned album “Exodus” in 1977 which established his worldwide reputation.
Marley was considered a committed Rastafarian who infused his music with a profound sense of spirituality.
Bob's Illness
Later in July 1977, Marley was found to have a type of malignant melanoma under the nail of a toe. Contrary to urban legend, this lesion was not primarily caused by an injury during a football match that year, but was instead a symptom of the already-existing cancer.
But instead of medicine saving the superstars life, Marley turned down his doctors' advice to have his toe amputated, alluding to his religious beliefs. Despite his illness, he continued touring and was in the process of scheduling a world tour in 1980.
The album ‘Uprising’ - which was produced by Chris Blackwell - was later released in May 1980. It contained the song "Redemption Song" which was a hit considered to be about Marley’s coming to terms with his mortality.
The band completed a major tour of Europe, where it played its biggest concert to over 100,000 people in Milan. Shortly afterwards, Marley's health deteriorated and he became very ill; the cancer had spread throughout his body.
The rest of the tour being cancelled, Marley sought treatment at the Bavarian clinic of Josef Issels, where he received a controversial type of cancer therapy (Issels treatment) partly based on avoidance of certain foods, drinks, and other substances. After fighting the cancer without success for eight months Marley boarded a plane for his home in Jamaica.
Marley’s condition worsened while en route to Jamaica from Germany and having landed in Miami, Florida, he received immediate medical attention after being taken to the hospital.
The 36-year-old died May 11, 1981 at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Miami (now University of Miami Hospital).
It is said that his death was caused by the spread of the melanoma to his lungs and brain.
It is said that the final words which he uttered to his son Ziggy Marley were “Money can't buy life”.
