The King of Reggae, Bob Marley

Recently all the hype has been about the death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Fans across the globe mourn his loss, and have dubbed him "the world's greatest superstar." Taking nothing away from MJ, I would like to remind people about another legend; the King of Reggae: Robert Nesta Marley.

Bob Marley represents everything that is roots, rock, reggae and rasta. The latter being Rastafarianism, one of the quickest growing religions in the world today. Though not popular in North America, it is a way of life that many inhabitants of the Caribbean have adopted. Bob was a forefather of reggae music and the largest reggae icon to date. He is responsible for bringing both reggae music and Rastafarianism to an international stage, and was a superstar in his own right. Such a superstar that it has been 28 years since his death in 1981, and younger generations the world over still listen to his music on their ipods. And yet he was only on this earth for 36 years. No other individual, besides the likes of Jesus Christ (who lived 33 years), has made such an impact in such a short span of time.

His most popular songs include:
No woman no cry,
Buffalo soldier,
Is this love,
Waiting in Vain,
Turn your lights down low,
Roots, rock, reggae
I know a place,
One love

And these are just to name a few. Bob Marley has paved the way for artists such as Buju Banton. Jah Cure, Anthony B, Sizzla Kalonji, and Beres Hammond to grace todays airwaves. Music seems to run thick in his bloodline as well, for his legacy is carried forth by all his sons; the most successful of whom are Damian and Stephen Marley.

Those who are interested in reggae music will be able to relate to many of Bob's songs. He sings about love, oppression, and hope; things which we have all experienced. His brand of reggae is widely regarded to be "roots reggae," because it is considered to be the foundation of today's reggae.
Below I have left an interview and song from Bob Marley. I have also posted a video from Jah Cure, one of the biggest reggae artists today. Readers will be able to see how reggae music has developed through the passage of time.