Bob Marley

by SMF · Published July 24, 2017 · Updated July 24, 2017

Bob Marley was a celebrated Jamaican reggae musician who was known for popularizing reggae music on the world stage. After releasing a multitude of hit songs such as No Woman, No Cry, Redemption Song and One Love, Marley went to become the most successful reggae musician of all time. Marley died tragically on May 11th, 1981 after losing his battle with cancer. He was only 36 years old.

Bob Marley performing live at the Hallenstadium in Zurich, Switzerland in May 1980. Source: Wikimedia: Author: Ueli Frey.

Bob Marley’s Personal Life

He was born in Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica on February 6th, 1945 to Cedella Booker and Sinclair Marley. He married singer Rita Marley in 1966 and fathered three children with her. He also adopted two of Rita’s children from previous relationships. In addition to his children with Rita, he fathered several more children with other women. It is believed that Marley fathered as many as 11 children throughout his life. His most famous children include Stephen, Rohan, David “Ziggy” and Damian. Marley remained married to Rita until his demise in 1981.

Interesting Facts about Bob Marley

In 1976, few days before he performed at the legendary Smile Jamaica concert, he was injured in an assasination attempt after unknown gunmen made their way into his home.
He was a huge football (soccer) fan.
Before becoming a Rastafarian in 1966, Marley was a Catholic.
Marley’s last live performance took place on September 23rd, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at The Benedum Center For The Performing Arts.
In 1977, after Marley was diagnosed with skin cancer, his doctors advised that one of his toes be amputated to keep the cancer from spreading but he refused mainly because of Rastafarian beliefs. The cancer eventually spread all over his body and killed him at the premature age of 36. Marley’s death occurred at the University of Miami Hospital in Miami, Florida on May 11th, 1981.
The final words Marley said to his son Ziggy Marley before dying were the words “Money can’t buy life.”
In 1994, Marley received a posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, making him the first reggae musician to be given that honor.