Addison Gload

Robert Nesta Marley, famously referred to as Bob Marley, is known for his fusion of different reggae elements and empowering lyrics. Though Marley died at only 36 years old, his music is still listened to by many generations and his legacy remains alive through his children and grandchildren, who are now rising to fame. 

Bob Marley created music for 19 years producing a total of 164 songs. His life was cut short due to his battle with a rare skin cancer called acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). Due to the beliefs of Rastafarianism, a religious and political movement that began in Jamaica in the 1930s, it is considered a sin to remove parts of the body, therefore he died four years after being diagnosed.  

On Feb. 14, 2024, a biographical film, Bob Marley: One Love, was released in theaters. This took fans through the journey of his life, providing them with a new understanding of the meaning behind his music. The movie shows how he binds opposing political parties together with Rastafarianism. Bob Marley’s son, Ziggy Marley, and his former wife, Rita Marley, were a part of the film production. 

“After watching the movie, I was able to see all that [Bob Marley] went through just to create some sort of peace between communities. I say he was able to unite all different types of people through music,” Marlee Marchand, sophomore, said. “I grew up listening to his music and it always made me feel calm. The best part about it is its universal music, which anyone can listen to. It’s clean, refreshing and peaceful.” 

Bob Marley began his music career after meeting self-taught musicians, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. They taught themselves how to play the guitar, keyboard and percussion and soon became a band known as Bob Marley and The Wailers. 

“I originally knew him as Bob Marley and The Wailers. There’s a lot of history there. Even throughout changes (within the band) his message stayed the same,” Brian Kovachik, Department Chair of Fine Arts and Ceramics teacher at Jupiter High, said. 

Many of the Marleys continued into the music industry, the most famous being Ziggy Marley. Ziggy led the band: Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers until 2002 and has been awarded eight Grammys.

“Bob Marley was an incredible musician and his legacy lives on through his children. They’ve continued his musical traditions and have made some amazing music of their own,” Taylor Gjertsen, junior, said. 

In 2023, Bob Marley’s grandson, YG Marley, released a new song called “Praise Jah In The Moonlight” surpassing one hundred million streams on Spotify alone. As well as Bob Marley’s son, Damian Marley, who has won four Grammy awards for his rapping and songwriting. Bob Marley’s bloodline continues to spread the Rastafari beliefs and morals along with preserving Bob Marley’s musical legacy. 

“I heard about their music through many social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. It’s so cool to see how they have carried on his musical spirit,” Gjertsen said.  

The new biographical film isn’t the only recognition Bob Marley has received. In Kingston, Jamaica, a memorial museum is open to locals and tourists dedicated to the artist. There are also many monuments celebrating Bob Marley’s life located in the U.S. and in other parts of Jamaica. 

Winning four awards, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Peace Medal of the Third World, Order of Merit and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It is no doubt his message has reached millions of individuals, and has become a crucial part of boat day playlists. 

“My family and I have always listened to his music on boat days and by the pool on sunny afternoons. Our all-time favorite song has to be “Jamming” or “Could You Be Loved.” A true necessity for the summer days,” Jessica Rute, junior, said.