FACTS OF BOB MARLEY

Bob Marley is my favorite singer. You too will dance when you hear his song Bad Boys, or whistle when you hear Don’t Worry Be Happy.

Right?
Right.

Let’s check out some weird facts about our favorite rasta god.

Soccer passion

Bob Marley was an avid soccer fan and player. He was so passionate about the sport that he formed his own soccer team called “The Wailers” and would often organize matches against other Jamaican musical groups.

Birthday coincidence

Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, which is the same day as former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. It’s quite an interesting coincidence that these two influential figures share the same birthday.

Marijuana evangelist

While it’s widely known that Bob Marley was an advocate for the legalization of marijuana, he took his beliefs a step further. In 1976, Marley was invited to perform at the Smile Jamaica Concert, where he had an audience of around 80,000 people. Despite being advised not to, he lit a spliff on stage and smoked marijuana while performing, making a bold statement for the cause.

Football injury turned to music

When Bob Marley was just 17 years old, he worked as a machine operator in a factory. One day, he injured his right foot while playing soccer, and the injury never properly healed. This accident eventually led him to focus more on music and pursue a career in the industry.

Bulleted performance

On December 3, 1976, just two days before a planned free concert called “Smile Jamaica” intended to ease political tensions in Jamaica, Bob Marley and his wife, Rita, were injured in an assassination attempt. Unidentified gunmen stormed their home, shooting Marley, his wife, and his manager. Despite being injured, Marley went on to perform at the concert as scheduled, showing his commitment and dedication to his fans and the cause of peace.

Healing through music

In addition to his musical talents, Bob Marley was a believer in the healing power of music. He used music as a form of therapy, often encouraging his band members to play their instruments as a means of relaxation and release.

Rastafarian faith

Bob Marley’s religious beliefs were deeply rooted in the Rastafarian faith. He followed its principles, which included a strict vegetarian diet, the belief in the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, and the sacramental use of marijuana as a spiritual herb.