Bob Marley OM (born Robert Nesta Marley, Nine Mile, February 6, 1945 — Miami, May 11, 1981), was a Jamaican singer, guitarist and songwriter, the best-known reggae musician of all time, famous for popularizing the genre. Much of his work dealt with the problems of the poor and oppressed. He was called the "Charles Wesley of the Rastafarians" for the way he spread the religion through his songs.
Marley's music was strongly influenced by the social issues of his homeland, and he is considered to have given voice to the specific political and cultural nexus of Jamaica. His best-known songs are " I Shot the Sheriff "," No Woman, No Cry"," Could You Be Loved "," Stir It Up "," Get Up, Stand Up "," Jamming "," Redemption Song "," One Love/People Get Ready " and " Three Little Birds ", and also posthumous releases such as " Buffalo Soldier " and " Iron Lion Zion ". The Legend compilation, released three years after his death, is the best-selling reggae album in history.
Bob was married to Rita Marley from 1966 until his death, one of the I Threes, who began singing with the Wailers after they achieved international success. She was the mother of four of his twelve children (two of them adopted), the renowned Ziggy and Stephen Marley, who continue their father's musical legacy in the band Melody Makers. Other of his children, Kymani Marley, Julian Marley and Damian Marley (aka Jr. Gong) also pursued musical careers. He was ranked 11th greatest artist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
Bob Marley left Jamaica at the end of 1976 and went to England, where he recorded the albums Exodus and Kaya and was also arrested for possession of a marijuana cigarette. He released the song Africa Unite on the Survival album in 1979, and was then invited to perform at the Zimbabwe independence celebrations on April 17, 1980.