10 Little Known Facts About Bob Marley

Bob Marley: 10 Little Known Facts About the Music Icon

Bob Marley is a name that needs no introduction. His music transcends time and generations, and his philosophy about peace, love, and equality continues to influence people around the world. But beyond his music and messages, there are plenty of fascinating facts about Bob Marley that many people may not know. Here are ten little known facts about the reggae legend.

1. Bob Marley’s real name isn’t Bob Marley

Bob Marley was actually born Nesta Robert Marley. His first and middle names were swapped by a Jamaican passport officer during a bureaucratic mix-up.

2. Bob Marley was a former welder

Before pursuing a career in music, Marley worked as a welder in Kingston, Jamaica.

3. Bob Marley’s music was heavily influenced by his Rastafarian faith

Marley converted to Rastafarianism in the late 1960s, and his music became heavily influenced by the tenets of the religion, which include a belief in Jah (God), the importance of community, and the rejection of materialism.

4. Bob Marley was an avid soccer player

Marley was a big soccer fan and played for the Jamaican national soccer team before turning his focus to music.

5. Bob Marley’s final concert was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Marley’s final concert was in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 23, 1980, just eight months before his death.

6. Bob Marley was an advocate for marijuana use

Marley was a vocal advocate for the legalization of marijuana, which he believed had spiritual and medicinal properties.

7. Bob Marley’s backup singers, the I-Threes, were all women

Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt made up the I-Threes, Marley’s backup singers and occasional songwriters.

8. Bob Marley was shot two days before a concert and still performed

In December 1976, two days before a concert in Kingston, Jamaica, Marley and several others were shot during a political assassination attempt. Despite being wounded, Marley still performed at the concert.

9. Bob Marley’s children have followed in his musical footsteps

Several of Marley’s children, including Ziggy, Stephen, and Damian, have pursued careers in music and have carried on their father’s legacy.

10. Bob Marley is buried in Jamaica, with a guitar

Marley is buried in a mausoleum at his former home in Jamaica, with a guitar by his side.

In conclusion, Bob Marley was much more than just a musician. He was a trailblazer, a philosopher, and a cultural icon. These ten little known facts about him are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding his impact on the world. From his early days as a welder to his final days as a performer, Bob Marley lived an incredible life that continues to inspire generations.