Bob Marley

Jamaican reggae icon whose music became a global symbol of peace, resistance, and Rastafarian spirituality.Born to a Jamaican mother and white British father, Marley co-founded The Wailers in 1963. His breakthrough album 'Natty Dread' (1974) launched international stardom. Political activism and Rastafarian themes defined hits like 'No Woman, No Cry' and 'Redemption Song'. Died of cancer at 36, receiving a state funeral in Jamaica.
  • Survived an assassination attempt in 1976 when gunmen shot him, his wife, and manager days before his Smile Jamaica concert. He performed despite injuries.
  • Refused amputation for melanoma under his toenail due to Rastafarian beliefs, allowing cancer to spread untreated for years.
  • Fathered 11 children with 7 women, including singers Ziggy and Damian Marley. Rita Marley, his wife, adopted several.
  • His final words to son Ziggy were: 'Money can't buy life.' Buried with his red Gibson guitar, a Bible, and marijuana bud.
  • Posthumously awarded Jamaica's Order of Merit; his 1984 compilation 'Legend' remains the best-selling reggae album (over 28M copies).