# Bob Marley

Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and musician who transformed reggae from a local Jamaican genre into a global phenomenon, spreading the message of Rastafari spirituality, social justice, and pan-African unity to audiences around the world. His posthumous compilation "Legend" (1984) remains the best-selling reggae album of all time, with over 35 million copies sold. He died on May 11, 1981, of acral lentiginous melanoma that had spread to his brain and lungs, at age 36.

## Quick Facts

- **Born:** February 6, 1945
- **Birthplace:** Nine Mile, Jamaica
- **Nationality:** Jamaican
- **Occupation:** singer-songwriter
- **Category:** Musicians
- **Also Known As:** The King of Reggae, Tuff Gong

## Overview

Robert Nesta Marley was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Considered one of the pioneers of reggae, he fused elements of reggae, ska, and rocksteady, and was renowned for his distinctive vocal and songwriting style. Marley increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide and became a global figure in popular culture. He became known as a Rastafarian icon, and he infused his music with a sense of spirituality. Marley is also considered a global symbol of Jamaican music, culture and identity and was controversial in his outspoken support for democratic social reforms. Marley also supported the legalisation of cannabis and advocated for pan-Africanism.

## Wikipedia Context

This profile section is complemented from Wikipedia for Bob Marley. Jamaican singer, songwriter and guitarist (1945–1981)

## Sources

Primary source page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley

## Timeline

### 1945 — Birth
Birth of Bob Marley.

### 2026 — Wikipedia Complement
Profile metadata and editorial blocks were complemented using Wikipedia and Wikidata references.

### 2026 — Profile Update
Structured profile components were updated to improve completeness.

## Quotes

> "Profile note: Bob Marley was complemented using Wikipedia reference material."
> — Bob Marley, Peoplebio editorial note (2026)

> "Editorial note: This block stores profile notes and source context, not attributed quotations."
> — Bob Marley, Peoplebio editorial note (2026)

> "Source note: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Marley"
> — Bob Marley, Peoplebio editorial note (2026)

> "The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for."
> — Bob Marley, Goodreads

> "One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain."
> — Bob Marley, Goodreads

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Source: https://peoplebio.info/p/bob-marley