Rootsriders : Tribute Bob Marley | Zénith d'Auvergne (2024)

FAQs

What was great about Bob Marley? ›

The Bob Marley influence upon various populations remains unparalleled, irrespective of race, color or creed. His revolutionary yet unifying music, challenging colonialism, racism, “fighting against ism and scism” as he sang in “One Drop,” has had profound effects even in countries where English isn't widely spoken.

Sadly, Marley's final days indicate that he knew every little thing was not gonna be alright. He knew he was dying. In 1981, Marley was in Europe, where he had been receiving alternative therapies for his melanoma for months.

His son Ziggy still remembers his father's final words of inspiration to him, telling PEOPLE in 2024, “[He said] 'On your way up, take me up. On your way down, don't let me down.'

Breakspeare had a relationship with reggae musician Bob Marley beginning in 1976, lasting until his death in 1981. Despite being married to Rita Marley, Marley was in relationships with several other women around this time, including Pascaline Bongo, and Yvette Crichton who gave birth to his child in 1981.

No one knew this more than his wife and the other seven women who became mothers of his children. Between the eight women, Rita Marley, Cheryl Murrah, Janet Bowen, Lucy Pounder, Janet Hunt, Anita Belnais, Cindy Breakspeare, and Pat Williams, the Jamaican icon fathered 13 children.

Throughout his musical career, Marley shared the Rastafarian beliefs with the world, though he converted to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity before his death.

Equality: Bob Marley was a tenacious advocate for equality, his music a rallying cry against oppression and social injustice. His vision of an inclusive society, where opportunities are not limited by race, class, or any other factor, empowers listeners to strive for change.

Marley helped take reggae—a blend of ska, Jamaican urban pop, and American R & B—mainstream. In his short career, he was responsible for some of the most important reggae albums of all time.

Marley left school at age 14 and trained as a welder. During this time, he concentrated on music. He received training by a musical teacher Joe Higgs with his friend Neville, “Bunny Wailer Livingston”. His first recording attempts in the 60's were fails and meant nothing in commercial terms.