Bob Marley, Surely the King of Reggae




by Scott Baker


Before Bob Marley, reggae music was restricted to its native country Jamaica, a style which developed alongside the music genres ska and rocksteady.Born Nesta Robert Marley, Marley popularized reggae music as part of the band Bob Marley & The Wailers.The rhythmic musical style was introduced to a global audience, and with it, informed the world of the social and political issues faced in Jamaica.Bob Marley t-shirts featuring his image or lyrics from one of his songs along with the Jamaican flag colors are very popular as they link the man with the country.

The song One Love is one of Marley's best, a call for togetherness and belief in the Lord God.Time Magazine chose One Love as one of the top songs of the century, and the album Exodus was also chosen as top album for the century.No Woman No Cry, Three Little Birds, and I Shot The Sheriff are other examples of Marley's popular songs.There are some great Bob Marley tshirts out there that relate to some of his best known songs.

The Rastafari movement, a religious and ideological movement that recognizes Haile Selassie as a reincarnated Jesus Christ, was brought to the world's attention because of Marley's involvement in the movement.Members of the Rastafari are also known as Rastas for short, and commonly use marijuana as an tool for becoming closer to God.Other distinguishing features of the Rastafari movement are dreadlocks, and vegetarianism.

Jamaica faced plenty of sociopolitical adversity during Marley's time, and his activism focused on those issues.Jamaica was a volatile place during Marley's time, and his songs reflected on achieving peaceful resolutions to conflicts.Racial equality was another theme in Marley's musical work and activism, with the message that everyone in this world is created equal.

The legacy of Bob Marley is that of an influential, and poignant musical activist who sought to better society and the world.His music, along with merchandise like Bob Marley tshirts, continues to sell well worldwide.




About the Author: