Early Life and Education of Bob Marley: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Bob Marley. From birth to education, explore key events.
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.
February 1945: Bob Marley's Birth
In February 1945, Robert Nesta Marley was born. He would become a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and a pioneer of reggae music.
February 1966: Marriage to Rita Anderson
In February 1966, Bob Marley married Alfarita Constantia "Rita" Anderson in Kingston, Jamaica.
1966: Conversion to Rastafari and cannabis use
In 1966, Bob Marley converted to the Rastafari faith from Catholicism and began using cannabis.
1966: Marriage and Relocation to Delaware
In 1966, Bob Marley married Rita Anderson and moved to Wilmington, Delaware, working at DuPont and Chrysler under the alias Donald Marley.
1968: Arrest for cannabis possession
In 1968, Bob Marley was arrested after being caught with cannabis but continued to use marijuana in accordance with his religious beliefs.
1972: Living in London
During 1972, Bob Marley lived in Ridgmount Gardens, Bloomsbury, London.
December 1976: Assassination Attempt
In December 1976, Bob Marley, Rita, and manager Don Taylor were wounded in an assault by unknown gunmen inside Marley's home, two days before the Smile Jamaica concert.
July 1977: Diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma
In July 1977, Bob Marley was diagnosed with malignant melanoma under the nail of his right big toe.
1977: Diagnosis of Melanoma
In 1977, Bob Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma.
1978: Support for Tottenham Hotspur
In 1978, Bob Marley followed English football club Tottenham Hotspur, and Argentine midfielder Ossie Ardiles.
July 1979: Appearance at the Amandla Festival
In July 1979, Bob Marley appeared at the Amandla Festival in Boston, demonstrating his opposition to South African apartheid.
July 1980: Last outdoor concert in Dublin
On 6 July 1980, Bob Marley played his last ever outdoor concert at Dalymount Park in Dublin.
September 1980: Collapse in Central Park and final concert
In September 1980, Bob Marley collapsed while jogging in Central Park and was hospitalized. His last concert took place on 23 September 1980, at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh.
November 1980: Baptism into Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
In November 1980, shortly before his death, Bob Marley converted to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and was baptised with the name Berhane Selassie.
1980: Scheduling a world tour
Despite his illness, in 1980, Bob Marley was in the process of scheduling a world tour.
1980: Performance at Zimbabwe's Independence Day Celebration
In early 1980, Bob Marley was invited to perform at the 17 April celebration of Zimbabwe's Independence Day.
May 1981: Death of Bob Marley
On 11 May 1981, Bob Marley died at the age of 36 due to the spread of melanoma to his lungs and brain.
May 1981: State Funeral in Jamaica
On 21 May 1981, Bob Marley was given a state funeral in Jamaica, combining Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafari traditions, and was buried near his birthplace.
