Bob Marley – Guitar Spotlight

Bob Marley (1945-1981) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter and musician. One of the pioneers of reggae, his music was a blend of reggae, ska and rocksteady, with unique vocal and songwriting style. He helped popularize Jamaican music worldwide.

Born in Nine Mile, British Jamaica, Marley began his career in 1963, after forming Bob Marley and the Wailers. Their 1965 debut studio album, The Wailing Wailers, contained the single “One Love/People Get Ready”; the song became popular globally, making the group a well-known reggae combo.

Few names in the popular music world conjure up the immediate fullness of the term legend. But Bob Marley was a cultural force that went far beyond normal legendary status.

There are a number of legendary-level musicians from the post-20th century era that enjoy this status. Miles Davis, now there’s one. Even jazz insiders and critics revered Miles. In fact, he seemed to scare most of them out of their wits. Duke Ellington, arguably the greatest modern composer ever. Stevie Wonder too, of course, moving forward in time. And then there’s Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen, all rock guitar gods, to mention a few. 

But, those three guitarists could probably outplay Bob Marley with one finger! However, Bob had something big and deep to say, that needed no fingers. He was a visionary. An avatar. There was a spiritual dimension to his work, his music, that allowed a place at the table for the poor and common folk.

Although Rastafarianism is the mysterious religion closely associated with Marley, he was not overtaken by it. As far as I can tell, losing yourself in the music was the religion. Bob’s vision, which seemed to harness an unnameable magnetic force, was at once electrifying but with a calm center. Love, positive vibrations and joyful music appeared to be his message. Bob died at 37, way too young, from cancer. Wow, the things he could have done! But the things he did do are left for us to enjoy.