Bob Marley by Gary Saderup

Nesta Robert Marley OM (6 February 1945 ¨C 11 May 1981), more widely and commonly known as Bob Marley, was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician. He was the rhythm guitarist and lead singer for the ska, rock steady and reggae bands The Wailers (1963-1974) and Bob Marley & The Wailers (1974¨C1981). Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is credited with helping spread both Jamaican music and the Rastafari movement to a worldwide audience.

Marley's music was heavily influenced by the social issues of his homeland, and he is considered to have given voice to the specific political and cultural nexus of Jamaica. His best-known hits include I Shot the Sheriff, No Woman, No Cry, Could You Be Loved, Stir It Up, Get Up Stand Up, Jamming, Redemption Song, One Love and, Three Little Birds, as well as the posthumous releases Buffalo Soldier and Iron Lion Zion. The compilation album Legend (1984), released three years after his death, is reggae's best-selling album, going ten times Platinum which is also known as one Diamond in the U.S., and selling 25 million copies worldwide.