I am often asked why I like Bob Marley. I answer the question with another question: What's not to like?
There are those who like him for his stand for peace, for equality, for justice. Some for his herb endorsements. I like him for his music. His music crosses over age, culture, nationality, and everything else you can throw at it. It's as if your muscles instantly react to the beats. I find my head bobbing up and down to his music, and my feet aching to go ahead and dance. It's a good thing I have enough will power to stop the latter. Couple the beats with his lyrics, and you have the perfect combination. I remember the first time that I heard the song Buffalo Soldier. There's that instant connection between the songwriter and the listener. Suffice to say, the message was sent, almost instantaneously.
Contrary to the common notion that I know much about Bob, I don't. In fact, there's a fact that Will Smith shared in the movie I Am Legend. Huwaaaaaaaaat???!!! I caught myself scratching a bald spot on my head.
Here are some facts:
Name: Robert Nesta Marley
Born: February 6, 1945
Died: May 11, 1981
Birthplace: Nine Miles, Jamaica
Father: Norval Sinclair Marley (a white dude)
Mother: Cedella Booker (native jamaican, very young)
Aliases: Bob, Tuff Gong, Lion of Zion, Bobby Martell
Wife: Rita Marley
Children: 13 (3 with Rita, 2 adopted from Rita's previous relationships, 8 with separate other women)
Cause of death: Cancer (believe it or not, it all started with a soccer game)
