Bob Marley

Full Name: Nesta Robert Marley
Profession: Reggae Musician

Nationality:

Biography: Born to a mother of African and a father of European descent in rural Jamaica, Marley moved with his mother to the ghetto Trench Town in Kingston in 1957. In 1963 he formed a singing group called "The Wailing Wailers" with friends (later "The Wailers") achieving local success.

During the 1960s Marley married and became interested in the Rastafari movement and remained committed to it for the rest of his life and it came to influence much of his music. In 1976 an assassination attempt was made during rehearsals for a concert aimed at quelling political tensions in Jamaica.

After this Marley left for the UK releasing albums 'Exodus' and 'Kaya'. His 1979 album 'Survival' showed his support for African causes and included the song 'War'.

In 1977 a malignant tumor was discovered in Marley's toe but he went on to tour and release albums including his last 'Uprising' in 1980. Despite treatment for his cancer he died in May 1981.

In 1999 Time magazine named his album 'Exodus' Album of the century.

Born: February 6, 1945
Birthplace: Nine Mile, Saint Ann, Jamaica

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: May 11, 1981 (aged 36)
Cause of Death: Brain and lung cancer