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SHOOTERS HOSTS CELEBRATION
Bob often said "It is not I who writes the music, but Jah. I'm truly blessed to deliver His message." Bob was born in February of 1945 in the community of Nine Mile, Jamaica, high in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Bob's mother was an Afro-Jamaican and his father an Anglo-Scottish Jamaican quartermaster, whom he saw only once. Bob's first release was in 1962, "Judge Not." Shortly after this, Marley formed the group THE WAILERS with boyhood pals Bunny Livingston (Wailer) and Peter Tosh. The group struggled in Jamaica for several years, releasing music on their own labels and for other producers. In 1973 The Wailers signed to the progressive British rock label 'Island', run by Anglo-Jamaican entrepreneur Chris Blackwell. Blackwell took THE WAILERS to an international audience and shortly after this Tosh and Bunny Wailer quit the band to pursue solo careers. Marley continued with 'Island', using THE WAILERS' name for his backing group. In 1974, Eric Clapton recorded Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff," which reached number one on the American charts. Bob's international success cemented his growing political importance in Jamaica. By way of thanking the people of Jamaica, he decided to do a free concert to be held at Kingston's National Park on December 5, 1976. The idea was to emphasize the need for peace in the slums of Kingston, where warring factions had brought turmoil and murder. Just after the concert announcement, the government called for an election, scheduled to take place December 20, and with Bob's popularity at the time, whichever party he supported was sure to win the election. The eve before the concert, a gunman broke into Bob's house and shot him several times. He survived the gunshots, and after deliberation of playing the concert, Bob still took the stage in defiance of the gunman and the political party that the assassins represented. He then went underground. In 1978, Bob returned to Jamaica to play the "One Love Peace Concert" in front of the Prime Minister, Michael Manley and his adversary, Edward Seaga, Leader of the Opposition. During this performance Bob called Manley and Seaga on stage, joining their hands together with his, lifting them up to the heavens and praying for the end of political violence in Jamaica. 1978 also saw Bob honored by the United Nations, rewarding him with the Medal of Peace for his work not only in Jamaica, but also throughout the world. 1980 found Bob performing before 100,000 fans in Milan, the country's largest concert ever. 1980 also brought an invitation for Bob Marley and the Wailers to play at the Zimbabwe Independence Celebration. It was the greatest honor ever afforded the band, and one that underlined the Wailers' importance in the Third World.
While in the height of Bob's fame and honor during the late 70's, he injured a toe while playing soccer in London. The wound became cancerous and was belatedly treated in Miami, yet it continued to worsen. By 1980 the cancer, in its most virulent form, had spread through Marley's body. He passed away on May 11, 1981 in a Miami hospital. Though Bob's career lasted less than 20 years, his accomplishments, both musically and politically, can be matched by few entertainers, especially ones born in a Third World country. In
April 1981 Bob was awarded Jamaica's Order of Merit, the nation's Third
highest honor, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the country's
culture. On May 21, 1981, the Hon. Robert Nesta Marley O.M. was given an
official National Funeral by the people of Jamaica.
Time Magazine in their "Best Of the Century Edition" (December, 1999) voted Bob's Exodus album The Best Album of The Century, stating that every song was a classic, from the message of love to the anthems of revolution. But more than that, the album is a political and cultural nexus, drawing inspiration from the Third World and then giving voice to it, the world over. Time also recognized Bob Marley as one of the top 25 entertainers who had the biggest influence on music in the 20th Century. Lastly, after several years of nominating Bob Marley for the NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, this prestigious honor went to him in February as part of Grammy 2001's celebrations in Los Angeles. Bob
Marley's music and more importantly his message of peace, love and unity for all
people, lives on forever! 18
to 21 years of age $10.00, 21 and up $7.00. Show time is 9 PM. Caribbean food,
drinks and crafts will be available. One
reviewer called the groups live performance "a raging sea of sound." Crowds
across the country can hardly believe these masters of Rasta madness hail from
outside Detroit. At larger venues fans are treated to a full-blown stage show
including lights, smoke, processed 35mm film footage on video walls, props,
costumes and an all out visual and musical assault. |
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