Thursday, March 31, 2011

Why Was Bob Marley So Popular?

By Leon S. Hooper


Few artists have enjoyed such a long-lasting legacy as Bob Marley. The Jamaican-born musician grew from poverty to becoming a worldwide phenomenon and one of the most influential artists of the 1960s and 70s. His band "The Wailers" crossed over from reggae into the mainstream with hits such "No Woman No Cry" and "I Shot the Sheriff". His image was synonymous with freedom and spirituality with his image printed on everything from posters to handmade jewellery.

His band was originally called "The Teeenagers" in 1963 but after several name changes, they finally decided upon a name that stuck, "The Wailers". After the band reduced in numbers and Marley got married, he worked at several different jobs before he returned to his native Jamaica where he started to take very seriously, the Rastafarian religious movement. It was here where we saw the birth of his now infamous dreadlocks.

The Wailers returned in 1973 but the reunion was short-lived after they broke up just one year later. However, partly due to Eric Clapton's successful cover version of "I Shot the Sheriff", Marley's music enjoyed a renaissance and he continued to record as a solo artist.

"Bob Marley & the Wailers", the latest incarnation of the many Wailers changes continued and had their biggest hit in 1975, "No Woman, No Cry". It was a personal song for Marley as he opened up on that lyric more than perhaps any other. They went on to achieve further success with albums such as Exodus and Babylon By Bus.

Bob Marley's famous and dreadlocks began to be printed on everything from cups and mugs to t-shirts and jewellery. His popularity and influence was perhaps even more visible after his death. But it wasn't just his music that helped to continue his legacy but the things that he stood for such as peace, love and spirituality. This is how he would have wanted to be remembered. Musically, it was ensured that he wouldn't be forgotten either after his 1994 induction into the Rock Hall of Fame.




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