Bob Marley’s father, Norval Marley, was a white British naval officer, while his mother, Cedella Booker, was a Black Jamaican. His mixed heritage led to him being bullied and rejected by both Black and white communities in Jamaica. He later embraced his identity, saying, “I don’t have prejudice against myself. My father was a white, my mother black. They call me half-caste or whatever. Me don’t dip on nobody’s side. Me don’t dip on the Black man’s side nor the white man’s side. Me dip on God’s side.”
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2. He Survived an Assassination Attempt
On December 3, 1976, gunmen stormed Marley’s home, shooting him, his wife Rita, and his manager. Despite being wounded in the arm and chest, Marley performed two days later at the Smile Jamaica Concert. When asked why, he said, “The people who are trying to make this world worse aren’t taking a day off. How can I?”
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3. He Was More Than a Musician — He Was a Revolutionary
Marley’s songs weren’t just about love and peace — they were deeply political. Tracks like "Get Up, Stand Up", "War", and "Redemption Song" called for freedom, equality, and resistance against oppression. His music gave a voice to the poor and disenfranchised, both in Jamaica and globally.
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4. His Religion Shaped His Music and Life
Marley was a Rastafarian, believing in the divinity of Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia, and promoting peace, spirituality, and African unity. His dreadlocks, vegetarian lifestyle, and cannabis use were all rooted in Rasta beliefs.
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5. He Didn’t Win a Grammy — But Made History Anyway
Surprisingly, Marley never won a Grammy during his lifetime. However, he was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001, and his album "Exodus" was named "Album of the Century" by Time Magazine in 1999.
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6. His Final Words Were Heartbreaking
On his deathbed, Bob Marley’s last words to his son Ziggy Marley were: “Money can’t buy life.” He died from melanoma on May 11, 1981, at 36 years old.
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7. His Legacy Lives On Worldwide
Bob Marley remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 75 million records sold. His message of love, resistance, and unity continues to inspire generations. His family, including Ziggy Marley, Damian Marley, and Stephen Marley, continue his musical and activists legacy...
7 Facts About Bob Marley....