Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bob Marley

How Bob Marley built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Bob Marley was a highly influential Jamaican singer-songwriter and guitarist, pivotal in popularizing reggae music globally. His unique blend of reggae, ska, and rocksteady, coupled with his distinctive vocal style, garnered him international acclaim. Beyond music, Marley became a symbol of Jamaican identity and Rastafarian spirituality, weaving themes of social justice, Pan-Africanism, and cannabis legalization into his work. His outspoken advocacy for democratic reforms and cultural pride made him both revered and controversial, solidifying his legacy as a cultural icon and influential voice for marginalized communities.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Legacy & Impact

1937: Marcus Garvey's speech

In 1937, Marcus Garvey gave a speech in Nova Scotia, which later influenced Bob Marley's "Redemption Song."

February 1962: First Recordings

In February 1962, Bob Marley recorded four songs including "One Cup of Coffee" which was released under the pseudonym Bobby Martell, for local music producer Leslie Kong.

1963: Formation of The Teenagers

In 1963, Bob Marley began his career by forming the group Teenagers with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, later known as the Wailers.

February 1964: "Simmer Down" Reached Jamaican No. 1

In February 1964, The Wailers' single "Simmer Down" reached the No. 1 spot in Jamaica, selling an estimated 70,000 copies.

1965: Release of Debut Album

In 1965, The Wailers released their debut studio album, 'The Wailing Wailers,' which included the popular single 'One Love,' establishing them as a rising reggae group.

1966: Departure of Members from The Wailers

By 1966, Braithwaite, Kelso, and Smith had left the Wailers, leaving the core trio of Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh.

1968: Recutting Old Tracks

Between 1968 and 1972, Bob and Rita Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer re-cut some old tracks with JAD Records in Kingston and London in an attempt to commercialise the Wailers' sound.

1969: Shift to Reggae Sound

In 1969, Bob Marley approached producer Leslie Kong and began incorporating a slower, reggae beat into his music with the Wailers.

1971: Release of 'The Best of The Wailers'

In 1971, The Wailers released the album 'The Best of The Wailers', marking their musical shift after Marley relocated to London.

1972: Signing with CBS Records and Meeting Chris Blackwell

In 1972, Bob Marley signed with CBS Records in London, toured with Johnny Nash, and met Chris Blackwell of Island Records, leading to a record deal.

April 1973: Release of 'Catch a Fire'

In April 1973, The Wailers' first album for Island, 'Catch a Fire,' was released worldwide, receiving positive reviews.

1973: International Attention

In 1973, Bob Marley and the Wailers began to gain international attention after signing to Island and touring in support of the albums Catch a Fire and Burnin.

September 1974: Eric Clapton's "I Shot the Sheriff" Reaches No. 1

On September 14, 1974, Eric Clapton's cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

1974: Disbandment of The Wailers

In 1974, The Wailers disbanded, with each of the three main members pursuing a solo career.

1974: Solo Career

In 1974, following the disbandment of The Wailers, Bob Marley carried on under the band's name and released the album Natty Dread, which received positive reviews.

1975: International Breakthrough

In 1975, Bob Marley had his international breakthrough with his first hit outside Jamaica with a live version of "No Woman, No Cry", from the Live! album.

1976: US Breakthrough and Assassination Attempt

In 1976, Bob Marley achieved his breakthrough album in the United States, Rastaman Vibration, and survived an assassination attempt at his home in Jamaica.

1976: US Breakthrough

In 1976, Bob Marley had his breakthrough album in the United States, Rastaman Vibration, which reached the Top 50 of the Billboard Soul Charts.

1976: Release of "War"

In 1976, Bob Marley released his song "War", which showed his strong opposition to South African apartheid.

June 1977: Rainbow Theatre Concerts

From June 1-4, 1977, Bob Marley played with the Wailers at the Rainbow Theatre in London, with highlights recorded in the BBC documentary Bob Marley: Live at the Rainbow 1977.

1978: Release of "Babylon by Bus"

In 1978, Bob Marley and the Wailers released "Babylon by Bus", a double live album featuring 13 tracks, which received critical acclaim and captured the intensity of Marley's live performances.

1978: Return to Jamaica and One Love Peace Concert

In 1978, Bob Marley returned to Jamaica and performed at the One Love Peace Concert, uniting political rivals Michael Manley and Edward Seaga on stage.