Bob Marley Remembered

Submitted by ub on

Jamaicans are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the birth of their greatest international music superstar The late reggae legend Bob Marley is being remembered today with a jamming session at his former home and a free concert as the Caribbean island continues to wrestle over his place in its pantheon of heroes. He was born in Nine Miles, northwest Jamaica, and died on May 11, 1981, in a Florida hospital suffering from cancer age 36.

Bob Marley - Survival (1979) - Full Album: http://youtu.be/p963CeTtJVM via @YouTube

A "mini-jam session" is scheduled at Marley's former home at Hope Road, north of Kingston, as well as discussions on reggae, a popular genre that began in Jamaica in the 1960s with strong influences from calypso and jazz and lyrics of social protest.

Best Of Bob Marley: http://youtu.be/K69A1lL1PHQ via @YouTube

A free concert on the Kingston waterfront on Saturday is expected to draw crowds, and local reggae artists, including one of Marley's sons, Ky-Mani, are set to perform. Police have announced traffic detours and street closures in anticipation of the throngs.

Jamaica has debated for years adding Marley to its Order of National Hero, its highest honor. Jamaica's current seven heroes are dominated by political figures. No new heroes have been added since the 1980s and a committee has been examining nominations for the last three years, with Marley and former Prime Minister Michael Manley among a list of 10 names mentioned.

As we prepare for Valentines Day: Bob Marley - Is this Love: http://youtu.be/CHekNnySAfM via @YouTube