Bob Marley was born “Nesta Robert Marley” in Jamaica, in February of 1945. His father was a white Jamaican captain in the UK’s Royal Marines and mother was an Afro-Jamaican woman. His love for music began in school, jamming with his brother and neighbor. He decided that music was his passion & dropped out of school at the tender age of 14 under the influence of Rastafari friend and local singer Joe Higgs.

His music was predominately anthem songs about returning to Zion, which is a reference to Africa. It was clear he related mostly to his African roots, rather than caucasian. He wrote songs, sang and played the guitar in a Reggae band called Bob Marley and the Wailers. Their top selling album “Legend” was released in 1984 and hit platinum 10 times over, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.

Bob Marley led an interesting personal life as well. Practicing Rastafari, of which Reggae music is a big part of the culture. With references to Babylon, Zion, Tribe of Joseph, Imperial Majesty, vegetarianism, and clearly an affinity towards Marijuana. He is said to have fathered 10 children, but this is an issue of constant debate.

In 1977 Bob Marley was diagnosed with Melanoma skin cancer under his toe nail. Doctors recommended amputating his toe, which he wouldn’t allow due to religious beliefs. Urban legend claims that the cancer was from a lesion from a football match, but according to doctors this is not the truth. Continuing to tour & play music with cancer spreading throughout his body caused his condition to quickly worsen. After playing his final concert at the end of September, 1980 he sought unconventional treatment (known as lessels treatment) through avoidance of certain food, drink and substances. The treatment did not prove effective, and in 1981 he headed back home to Jamaica to make preparations for his own death. But he didn’t make it all the way home and died in Miami on May 11, 1981 at just 36 years of age. He was honored with a state funeral in Jamaica on May 21, 1981.

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Bob Marley was and continues to be revered, loved and fascinated by many people. His music and legend lives on to today! Recently released are some of the most amazing last images of him performing in an exclusive e-book. It’s amazing to have the photographer share these raw, emotional, and final images with his loving public.

Reggae singer Bob Marley was revered, loved and fascinated by many people. His music and legend lives on to today! Recently released are some of the most amazing last images of him performing in an exclusive e-book. It’s amazing to have the photographer share these raw, emotional, and final images with his loving public.