"Marley" redirects here. For other uses, see Bob Marley (disambiguation) and Marley (disambiguation).The Honourable
Bob Marley
OMMarley performing in 1980BornRobert Nesta Marley
6 February 1945
Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, JamaicaDied11 May 1981 (aged 36)
Miami, Florida, U.S.Cause of deathSkin cancer (melanoma)Other names

Donald Marley
Tuff Gong

Occupation

Singer
songwriter
musician
guitarist

Home townTrenchtown, Kingston, JamaicaSpouse(s)Alpharita Anderson Marley(m. 1966; his death 1981)ChildrenSharon Marley Prendergast(adopted)
Cedella Marley
David Nesta "Ziggy" Marley
Stephen Robert Nesta Marley
Rohan Anthony Marley
Julian Ricardo Marley
Ky-Mani Marley
Damian Robert Nesta MarleyParent(s)Norval Sinclair Marley
Cedella Malcolm BookerMusical careerGenres

Associated actsBob Marley and the WailersWebsitebobmarley.comRobert Nesta Marley, OM (6 February 1945 – 11 May 1981) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter, musician and guitarist who achieved international fame and acclaim,[1][2]blending mostly reggae, ska and rocksteady in his compositions. Starting out in 1963 with the group the Wailers, he forged a distinctive songwriting and vocal style that would later resonate with audiences worldwide. The Wailers would go on to release some of the earliest reggae records with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry.[3]After the Wailers disbanded in 1974,[4] Marley pursued a solo career upon his relocation to England that culminated in the release of the album Exodus in 1977, which established his worldwide reputation and elevated his status as one of the world's best-selling artists of all time, with sales of more than 75 million records.[5][6] Exodus stayed on the British album charts for 56 consecutive weeks. It included four UK hit singles: "Exodus", "Waiting in Vain", "Jamming", and "One Love". In 1978, he released the album Kaya, which included the hit singles "Is This Love" and "Satisfy My Soul". The greatest hits album, Legend, was released in 1984, three years after Marley died. It subsequently became the best-selling reggae album of all time.Diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma in 1977, Marley died on 11 May 1981 in Miami at age 36. He was a committed Rastafari who infused his music with a sense of spirituality.[7]:242[8] He is credited with popularising reggae music around the world and served as a symbol of Jamaican culture and identity. Marley has also evolved into a global symbol and inspired numerous items of merchandise.