History of Bob Marley in Timeline
Robert Nesta Marley, a Jamaican singer-guitarist and songwriter, was a pioneer of reggae music, fusing elements of ska and rocksteady. Known for his unique vocal and songwriting style, Marley brought Jamaican music to global prominence, becoming a cultural icon. Identified as a Rastafarian, his music carried a spiritual message. Marley became a symbol of Jamaican music, culture, and identity, advocating for social reforms, cannabis legalization, and Pan-Africanism. His outspoken views sparked controversy, and he survived a politically charged assassination attempt in 1976.
1937: Marcus Garvey's Influential Speech
Marcus Garvey, a prominent Pan-Africanist, delivered a speech in Nova Scotia in 1937 that deeply resonated with Bob Marley. This speech later inspired Marley's song "Redemption Song", reflecting his own anti-imperialist and pan-Africanist views.
February 1945: Birth of Bob Marley
Bob Marley was born in February 1945 in Nine Mile, Jamaica.
February 1945: Birth of Bob Marley
Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, to Norval Sinclair Marley and Cedella Malcolm in Nine Mile, Jamaica.
February 1962: First Recordings
In February 1962, Bob Marley recorded his first songs, including "Judge Not" and "One Cup of Coffee", at Federal Studios.
1963: Formation of The Wailers
Bob Marley began his music career in 1963 by forming the group the Teenagers, which later became the Wailers.
1963: Formation of The Wailers
Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh formed the Wailers, undergoing several name changes before settling on the final one.
February 1964: First Jamaican No. 1 Hit
The Wailers achieved their first Jamaican No. 1 hit in February 1964 with "Simmer Down", selling an estimated 70,000 copies.
1965: Release of "One Love"
The Wailers released their debut album, which included the single "One Love", a reworking of "People Get Ready" that gained international popularity.
February 1966: Marriage to Rita Anderson
Bob Marley married Alfarita Constantia "Rita" Anderson in Kingston, Jamaica, in February 1966. This marked the beginning of their lifelong partnership and family life together.
1966: Marriage and Move to the US
Bob Marley married Rita Anderson in 1966 and briefly moved to Delaware, USA, where he worked various jobs under an alias.
1966: Conversion to Rastafari Faith and Cannabis Use
In 1966, Bob Marley converted from Catholicism to the Rastafari faith. As part of his religious practice, he began using cannabis, or "ganja", which Rastafarians believe aids meditation.
1966: Departure of Wailers Members
Junior Braithwaite, Beverley Kelso, and Cherry Smith left the Wailers, leaving the core trio of Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh.
1968: Early Recordings and Experimentation
Between 1968 and 1972, Bob Marley and the Wailers focused on commercializing their sound, re-recording tracks and participating in a three-day jam session with songwriter Jimmy Norman in the Bronx. The session, influenced by pop music, resulted in a rare tape showcasing Marley's exploration of different styles like doo-wop.
1968: Arrest for Cannabis Possession
Bob Marley was arrested in 1968 for possession of cannabis. Despite this legal trouble, he continued using marijuana as part of his Rastafarian beliefs.
1969: Shift Towards Reggae
Jamaican popular music shifted towards a slower beat in 1969, marking the beginning of reggae. Marley worked with producer Leslie Kong to incorporate this new sound.
1971: Release of "The Best of The Wailers"
The Wailers marked their musical shift toward a rhythmic sound with the release of their album 'The Best of The Wailers' in 1971.
1972: London Residency and Signing with Island Records
In 1972, Bob Marley resided in London and made a significant career move by signing with CBS Records. He toured the UK with Johnny Nash and initiated contact with Chris Blackwell of Island Records, eventually leading to an album deal. This marked a turning point towards breaking into the rock music scene.
1972: Signing with Island Records and Recording "Catch a Fire"
After meeting with Chris Blackwell, Bob Marley and the Wailers secured a deal with Island Records in 1972. This led to the recording of their pivotal album "Catch a Fire" at Harry J's studio in Kingston, Jamaica. Blackwell saw Marley as the key to introducing reggae to a wider rock audience.
April 1973: Release of "Catch a Fire"
Bob Marley and the Wailers released "Catch a Fire" in April 1973, marking their debut album with Island Records. Packaged unconventionally like a rock record, the album garnered positive critical attention and set the stage for their international success.
1973: International Recognition
Bob Marley and the Wailers gained international attention after signing with Island Records and touring for their albums 'Catch a Fire' and 'Burnin'.
September 1974: Eric Clapton's Cover of "I Shot the Sheriff"
In September 1974, Eric Clapton's cover of "I Shot the Sheriff," originally released by Bob Marley and the Wailers on their "Burnin'" album, reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This cover significantly boosted Marley's visibility in the US and showcased the crossover appeal of reggae music.
1974: Disbandment of the Wailers
After a tour with Sly and the Family Stone where their popularity overshadowed the headliner, the Wailers disbanded in 1974. This decision marked the beginning of each member's individual pursuits in the music industry.
1974: Release of "Natty Dread"
Bob Marley, now performing under his own name, released 'Natty Dread' in 1974 to positive reviews.
1975: International Breakthrough with "No Woman, No Cry"
Bob Marley, now performing as "Bob Marley & The Wailers" with a new backing band, achieved his first international hit in 1975 with the live version of "No Woman, No Cry" from the album "Live!". This success marked his rise to global recognition.
1975: Breakthrough with "No Woman, No Cry"
Following the success of Eric Clapton's "I Shot the Sheriff", Bob Marley achieved his first international hit with "No Woman, No Cry".
December 1976: Shooting Incident and "Smile Jamaica" Concert
In a politically charged incident in December 1976, Bob Marley, his wife Rita, and manager Don Taylor were shot at Marley's home. Despite his injuries, Marley proceeded to perform at the "Smile Jamaica" concert organized by Prime Minister Michael Manley to reduce political tensions.
1976: Release of "Rastaman Vibration"
Bob Marley's 'Rastaman Vibration' became his breakthrough album in the US in 1976, reaching the Billboard Soul Charts.
1976: Self-Imposed Exile in England
Following the assassination attempt, Marley left Jamaica in late 1976. He briefly stayed in the Bahamas before relocating to England, where he spent two years in self-imposed exile.
1976: Release of "War"
In 1976, Bob Marley released "War," a powerful song condemning apartheid in South Africa. This song served as an early indication of his dedication to social justice and his stance against oppression.
1976: Assassination Attempt on Bob Marley
In 1976, Bob Marley survived an assassination attempt at his home in Jamaica, which was believed to be politically motivated.
1976: Release of "Rastaman Vibration"
Marley continued his success with the release of "Rastaman Vibration" in 1976. This album secured a place on the Billboard Soul Charts, further solidifying his presence in the US music scene.
July 1977: Melanoma Diagnosis
In July 1977, Bob Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma, a type of skin cancer, under the nail of his right big toe. This diagnosis marked a turning point in his life and health.
1977: Diagnosis of Cancer
Bob Marley was diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma in 1977.
1978: Return to Jamaica and the One Love Peace Concert
After a period of exile in England, Marley returned to Jamaica in 1978. He performed at the One Love Peace Concert, advocating for peace and unity amidst political turmoil. Notably, he facilitated a symbolic handshake between political rivals Michael Manley and Edward Seaga on stage.
1978: Ossie Ardiles Joins Tottenham Hotspur
Argentine football player Ossie Ardiles joined Bob Marley's favorite English football club, Tottenham Hotspur, in 1978. This marked the beginning of Ardiles' decade-long career with the team, which brought Marley further joy as a dedicated fan.
1978: Release of "Babylon by Bus"
Bob Marley and the Wailers released the acclaimed double live album "Babylon by Bus" in 1978. The album, particularly the closing track "Jamming," encapsulated the energy and fervor of Marley's live performances.
1978: Release of "Exodus" and "Kaya"
During his time in England, Marley recorded and released two significant albums, "Exodus" and "Kaya", in 1978. "Exodus", featuring hits like "Jamming" and "One Love", achieved remarkable success, remaining on the UK charts for 56 consecutive weeks.
July 1979: Release of "Survival" and Performance at Amandla Festival
Marley continued his political activism through his music with the release of the politically charged album "Survival" in 1979. His performance at the Amandla Festival in Boston in July of the same year further solidified his stance against apartheid in South Africa.
May 1980: Release of "Uprising" and European Tour
Bob Marley and the Wailers released the album "Uprising" in May 1980 and embarked on a major European tour. The tour included their biggest concert ever, with 100,000 people in attendance at Milan's San Siro stadium.
September 1980: Collapse and Cancer Spread
Bob Marley's health took a turn for the worse in September 1980 when he collapsed while jogging in New York City's Central Park. He was hospitalized and doctors discovered that his cancer had spread to his brain, lungs, and liver.
November 1980: Conversion to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity
In November 1980, shortly before his death, Bob Marley converted to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. He was baptized by Archbishop Abuna Yesehaq and received the name Berhane Selassie. His wife, Rita Marley, and their children were present at the baptism.
1980: Release of "Uprising"
Bob Marley's final studio album, "Uprising," was released in 1980. This album, featuring songs like "Redemption Song" and "Forever Loving Jah," delved into deeply spiritual themes and showcased the introspective side of Marley's music.
1980: Continued Touring Despite Illness
Despite his cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Bob Marley continued to tour and perform in 1980. He was even in the process of planning a world tour, demonstrating his dedication to his music and fans.
1980: Invitation to Zimbabwe's Independence Day Celebration
In recognition of his advocacy for African liberation, Bob Marley received an invitation to perform at Zimbabwe's Independence Day celebration on April 17, 1980. This invitation highlighted his global impact and his support for pan-Africanism.
May 1981: Death of Bob Marley
Bob Marley died in May 1981 after battling cancer.
May 1981: Death of Bob Marley
Bob Marley died in May 1981 after being diagnosed with cancer.
May 1981: Death of Bob Marley
Bob Marley passed away on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36 in Miami, Florida. His death was caused by the spread of melanoma to his lungs and brain. His final words, spoken to his son Ziggy, were: "On your way up, take me up. On your way down, don't let me down."
May 1981: State Funeral in Jamaica
On May 21, 1981, Bob Marley was honored with a state funeral in Jamaica. The ceremony blended elements of Ethiopian Orthodoxy and Rastafari tradition, reflecting his diverse cultural and religious influences. He was laid to rest in a chapel near his birthplace in Nine Mile.
1983: Posthumous Release of "Confrontation"
Three years after Marley's passing, "Confrontation" was released in 1983. The album featured previously unreleased material, including the popular track "Buffalo Soldier," offering fans a final glimpse into his musical genius.
1984: Release of "Legend"
The greatest hits album 'Legend' was released in 1984, becoming the best-selling reggae album ever.
1994: Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Bob Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
2006: Bob Marley Boulevard in Brooklyn
In 2006, a section of Church Avenue in the East Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, was renamed "Bob Marley Boulevard" to honor the reggae icon's global influence and connection to the city.
2007: Reference in "I Am Legend"
Bob Marley's influence reached the world of film with a notable reference in the 2007 action thriller "I Am Legend". The main character names his daughter Marley, showcasing the enduring power and cultural significance of Marley's name and music.
February 2008: Martin Scorsese's Documentary Announcement
Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese announced plans to produce a documentary about Bob Marley in February 2008. This generated significant anticipation for a film exploring Marley's life and music from Scorsese's unique perspective. However, Scorsese later left the project due to scheduling conflicts.
2008: Statue in Serbia
A statue of Bob Marley was unveiled in Banatski Sokolac, Serbia, in 2008. This demonstrates his international impact and enduring legacy as a musician and cultural figure.
February 2010: Original Release Date for Scorsese's Film
February 6, 2010, which would have been Bob Marley's 65th birthday, was slated as the release date for Scorsese's documentary. However, the project faced delays and director changes, ultimately leading to a later release.
2011: Premiere of "Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend"
The documentary "Bob Marley: The Making of a Legend", directed by Esther Anderson and Gian Godoy, premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2011. The film presented a personal and intimate portrayal of Marley, drawing on Anderson's past relationship with the musician.
April 2012: Release of "Marley" Documentary
After several director changes, the documentary "Marley", directed by Kevin Macdonald, was finally released on April 20, 2012. It offered a comprehensive look at Marley's life, music, and legacy.
2012: Release of "Marley" Documentary
The documentary film "Marley", directed by Kevin Macdonald, was released in 2012. It features rare footage of Bob Marley's last concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a poignant glimpse into his final days as a performer.
October 2015: "A Brief History of Seven Killings" Wins Man Booker Prize
In October 2015, Jamaican author Marlon James won the prestigious Man Booker Prize for his novel "A Brief History of Seven Killings," a fictionalized account of the attempted assassination of Bob Marley.
February 2020: "Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical" Announced
February 2020 saw the announcement of "Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical," written by Lee Hall, directed by Dominic Cooke, and starring Arinzé Kene as Bob Marley.
October 2021: "Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical" Premieres in London
After a postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, "Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical" premiered at London's Lyric Theatre in October 2021.
February 2024: "Bob Marley: One Love" Film Released
The biographical musical drama "Bob Marley: One Love," directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir as Marley, was released in the United States in February 2024.