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Robert Nesta M arley

By: Chantaye McLaughlin

How does one discuss social justice, music, the Movement, Freedom, Righteousness, Pan-Africanism, love, creativity and not include the name Robert Nesta Marley. Bob Marley is one of the great icons of music, known for songs such as ?One Love,??I Shot the Sheriff,??No Woman, No Cry?and one of my all-time favorites, ?Get Up Stand Up.?

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Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Jamaica and he later died on May 11, 1981. Marley is a pioneer of Reggae .Throughout his musical career as a singer, performer, and songwriter, he oftentimes fused elements of reggae, ska, and rock-steady to create the sound that we love and attribute to his musical genius. Bob Marley and the Wailers, a group formed with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, began as the Wailers. After 11 albums and signing to Island Music, they changed their name to Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Bob Marley was a vocal figure in conversations regarding Pan-Africanism, legalization of marijuana, and democratic socialism.In 1976, due to his controversial (at the time) political views, someone attempted to assassinate Marley in his home. One of his band members and his wife were seriously injured and they survived. Bob Marley sustained injuries as well and 2 days later, he was on stage performing for ?Smile, Jamaica?that had a crowd of over 80,000 people and was organized by the Prime Minister of Jamaica.

Bob Marley died in 1981 of Melanoma, a form of cancer, that had spread throughout his body to include his brain at the tender age of 36. His works live on through his children, grandchildren and fans. We will always remember the Great Bob Marley.

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