Bob Marley's Music

Bob Marley's gave the world brilliant music that stretches back over two decades. He founded a group called the Wailing Wailers in the early Sixties. By 1964, the Wailing Wailers, made up of Bob, Peter McIntosh and Bunny Livingston, were properly established as one of the hottest groups in Jamaica. They put over 30 records out to the people to establish this presence.

Marley's music style was composed mainly of Jamaican music, from a type called ska to old school reggae. During the early days of his solo career, Bob's music wasn't as popular as he would have hoped. Forming the band really upped his status as a music artist. Despite the groups popularity, the pressure proved too much for the other two members. They shortly quit leaving the Wailing Wailers as a three man band. However, when Bob moved to America to live with his mother, the group separated completely.

After spending only a few months in America, Marley came back to Jamaica wanting to continue the music career as he left it. He rejoined Peter and Bunny and by the end of the Sixties, the Wailing Wailers were once again back on the top spot on the Jamaican music charts. Having the great producer of Lee 'Scratch' Perry resulted in some of the finest music the band had ever made.

In 1970 the band were joined by Aston 'Familyman' Barrett, on bass, and Carlton, on drums. Although the band had a massive fan following throughout the Caribbean, they were still unknown internationally. Their luck changed in 1972 when they signed to Island Records. This was the first time a reggae band had access to the best recording facilities. The Wailers' first album Catch A Fire was finely packaged and heavily promoted. The Catch A Fire album included the song I Shot The Sheriff which a few later, was also recorded by Eric Clapton. His version hit number one in the U.S singles chart.

1977 brought great achievements to the band. Releasing the Exodus album properly established Marley's international status. It remained in the British charts for 56 straight weeks. It was the longest time any one album had stayed in the charts. Jamming was the band's first ever top 10 hit in Britain.

At the end of their European tour in 1979, the group went to America. They played two shows, but immediately afterwards Bob was taken seriously ill. He was diagnosed with cancer. He fought the disease for eight months. That battle was eventually unsuccessful. Bob Marley died on the 11 May 1981 in a hospital in Miami.