The 1960s was a tumultuous time to live. Shrouded in the Cold War, many crises like the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, Proxy wars in Africa were going on.
Many musicians were protesting the global unrest through their music. But one man hailing from Jamaica sang for peace almost throughout his life in a unique way- Robert Nesta Marley or known as ‘Bob Marley.’
Bob Marley was the key pioneer of Reggae, the genre which rose from Jamaica in the late 60s.
Although the term Reggae was coined first by Marley’s contemporary band The Maytals, he is the one who popularised this genre the most to the whole world.
Marley’s musical talent can talk directly to the soul. His calm and carefree tone of reggae songs inspired millions to go through their tough times. His themes resonated with the assuring “Don't worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright” he sang in ‘Three Little Birds.’
He was a strong advocate for peace. During the tense time of the ‘60s and ‘70s, he continuously protested against war throughout his songs like ‘Buffalo Soldier,’ ‘No Woman, No Cry,’ ‘I Shot the Sheriff,’ and so on.
Even after his attempt on life, he never stopped promoting peace. His songs cried for global harmony, which became famous as they resonated as the universal prayer.
Marley always opposed wealth. To him, earthly possessions meant nothing. He held life as the most precious wealth, staying loyal to his belief in Rastafarianism. The denouncement of wealth also played a role behind the carefree tone in his songs.
Born on this day, the peace-loving music legend died in 1981, succumbing to cancer. Even during his death, his last words were, “Money can’t buy life”, reflecting his belief that life is too precious to be bought.
To this day, the world remembers him for his peace activism and callings to go above material things to live life to the fullest.
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