King Of Reggae

Bob Marley was one of the most influential artists of our time. Marley’s music has touched so many individuals, not just Reggae lovers, but people all over the world. Indeed, he was the voice of the people and the struggle that existed in Jamaica. In addition, his political power and his revolutionary approach seemed to enhance his following as a musician. Bob Marley was considered to be a musical genius that created a vivid picture of life through his eyes. In my opinion, his musical approach was totally opposite from any other artist of his time. He possessed a different sound that could captivate any audience at any given moment. For that reason, he’ll always be considered as one of the greatest artists of our time.

        Bob Marley was born in St. Ann’s Parish, Jamaica; he left home at age 14 to pursue his musical career.  Soon after, he became a student of the Rastafarian movement, which defined his signature Reggae sound. After Marley honed his style the group the Wailers were formed. The group members included Peter Tosh, Bunny Livingston, Junior Braithwaite, Beverley Kelso, and Cherry Smith. The Wailers were able to compose several mainstream classics, which made them musical icons. Indeed, Bob Marley led the Wailers to instant fame and many fans all over the globe. Some of the songs that helped launch the Wailers to success were “ I Shot the Sheriff” and “Burnin”.  As Marley’s fame intensified he was viewed in Jamaica as a figure of mystical proportions, and was looked upon as a prophet. Before the release of their second album Natty Dread, Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston left the group to pursue their solo careers. During that time Jamaica was experiencing a very difficult political struggle. Marley took the struggle head-on and helped the individuals of Jamaica unify as a people. On the other hand, by him having political ties left him exposed to certain dangers. In 1976 an assassination attempt took place on Marley, which seemed to make the Reggae star have even a greater following. It is True, Bob Marley was with us for only a short time, but he made his mark as a musician and as a political figure. Moreover, he took a style of music and made it his very own. For that reason, the world will always consider him to be the king of Reggae.   

Gone Too Soon

  I’ve followed and studied music practically all my life. One thing that has always intrigued me are the artists who died before they’re time. Indeed, special artists who had an understanding on how to create unforgettable music that resonated with people everywhere. For example, artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Tupac Shakur, Christopher Wallace, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson. In my opinion, all these individuals have left a lasting impression on us all, which will live on for generations to come. The thing that’s so tragic is that all of these artists died at a very young age. As a result, many of these artists didn’t get a chance to reach their full potential as musicians. It is true, all these artists were uniquely different in their own way, but they all were able to reach the world through their music. Regardless, one can only imagine what these artists could have accomplished if they were here today.

         They say fame has its price, and sometimes fame can cost you your life. So, it’s safe to say that fame and success don’t always equate. Research shows that young successful people in the public eye have the potential to die at an early age. Dailymail.com explains that 1,000 successful people found that pop stars, sportsmen, and actors were likely to face an early death. In addition, the article mentioned that rock and pop stars that die at an early age were usually abused as a child. Moreover, indulging in alcohol, violence, and drugs can also accelerate the problem and lead to an early demise. The question that must be asked is what can be done to save our music and our artists? It’s very unfortunate that these artists didn’t get a chance to realize their true talents and potential. In retrospect I wish these talented individuals were still alive, but all we can do now is appreciate their music and the memories they left behind. Nevertheless, all these individuals left the world before their time, but their influence and their music will live on forever.