He made his
reggae music to uplift us, inform, entertain, inspire, and make change in the
world. He's a musician, a poet and songwriter, a philosopher, a soldier, an
activist and a leader. - Cedella Marley
Rastafari had a voice in music well before
Bob Marley. Artists such as Count Ossie, a Jamaican jazz percussionist, established
several Rastafari camps in the 1940's where he invited musicians to gather for
musical experiments. Don Drummond a Rastafarian and a member of the Skatalites
is accredited to introducing Rastafari to ska, with hits such as; "Tribute
to Marcus Garvey" and "Addis Adaba". And in the 1060's and 70's
Bob's faith in Rastafari could be heard in albums recorded with the Wailers.
"Rasta Shook Them Up" was written expressing the experience of
Emperor Haile Selassie I's visit to Jamaica. The 1973 released album
"Burnin'" featured "Rasta Man Chant", the lyrics of which
were adapted from the Holy Piby. The following year Bob Marley released
"Natty Dread" which became the first of his albums to chart in the
US. It was on the title track that Bob Marley lyrical proclaimed his unwavering
faith: "Don't care what the world say (Natty Dread) I'n'I couldn't never
go astray (Natty Dread)". Marley's highest US charting album came in '76;
"Rastaman Vibrations." Among many other tracks that spread the
philosophy of Rastafari, "War" actually took its lyrics from Haile
Selassie I's address to the United Nations. The final album released during
Marley's lifetime was "Uprising" which included the track entitled
"Forever Loving Jah" and "Redemption Song"- with famed line
"emancipate yourselves from mental slavery none but ourselves can free our
mind", a clear edict of Rastafari.Throughout Bob Marley's career and life he used the stage and his microphone to propel Rastafari to the ends of the earth. Bob Marley is often thought of synonymously with Rastafari. On the day of his birth take a moment, if you have one, to learn about the man, honor his life & his music. In doing so, you will most certainly hear the voice of his faith. Here are a few songs that I would recommend listening to:
Get Up, Stand Up*- Bob Marley
Africa Unite- Bob Marley
Exodus- Bob Marley
Buffalo Soldier- Bob Marley
Natty Dread- Bob Marley
Rastaman Vibrations- Bob Marley
One Drop- Bob Marley
Survival- Bob Marley
Fed Up*- Stephen Marley
Mind Control*- Stephen Marley
Rasta Man Chant- Bob Marley & The Wailers
Catch A Fire- Bob Marley & The Wailers
*Acoustic Version
Happy Listening!!! JAH Bless. SELAH&SHINE
And for further information:
http://www.bobmarley.com/life_and_legacy_bob_and_rastafari.php
This was an interesting post! I would have loved to have seen a breakdown in an entire Marley song. You included some great information here, but of course I want more! Also, make sure when you quote someone (as you did Cedella Marley), use quotes or use an "excerpt" option that will "bump" the text out to separate it from the rest to make the quote stand out.
ReplyDeleteI love listening to Bob Marley! His music always relaxes me and uplifts the soul. Maybe this was one reason in the movie I Am Legend Will Smith listened to Bob Marley. I believe just like for me, it relaxed him and lifted his spirit in a hectic time. I had no ideal that Bob Marley's birthday was on Feburary 6! I wonder if Jamaica has a parade or some kind of celebration for his birthday? It seems as though he's the biggest legend in music for Jamaica. Unfortunately i didn't listen to any Bob Marley music on his birthday, but i do enjoy the songs you recommended. I'm sure i will be listening to one of his songs soon they never seem to get old.
ReplyDeleteBob Marley is one of my favorite Jamaican artist. every song that he has made has a meaning to them. I like how the first statement in your blog was "Rastafari had a voice in music well before Bob Marley." Because I know a lot of people that say that he was the first Rastafari in music when he was not. I also hate the fact that some people only know Bob Marley for smoking weed and won't read up on him and learn that he was part of the freedom movement. otherwise good post and i look forward in reading more.
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