Bob MarleyTrisa O'FarrellCraig E. Ferrin, Ph.D.Music 101022 July 2013

Biography

Born February 6, 1945 as Nest Robert Marley

Inter-racial parents Mother Jamaican of African descent Father of English descent

Marley stated later in life he was a “half-caste” Played important role in life and career

Biography

Introduced to music at young age in Kingston Lived in an area of poverty called Trench Town▪ Area was rich in culture

He lived and grew up with Bunny Wailer Shared love for music Made music from bamboo, cans, electric wire, etc. Learned harmonies from local singer Joe Higgs Listened to radio stations broadcasted from New

Orleans

Biography

Multitude of influences on life and career Social, political and cultural issues of his

hometown and Jamaica Devout Rastafarian▪ Numerous lyrical references to peace,

equality, and faith Found inspiration in all facets of life

Biography

Bob and Bunny were introduced to Peter Tosh in 1963 and started The Wailers First single, “Simmer Down”

The Wailers got a break in 1972 with Island Records deal Started touring the US and UK

“I Shot the Sheriff” was a huge hit and topped the charts in the US

Biography

In 1975, Rita Marley (Bob’s wife), and other female backup vocalists joined and released “Natty Dread” “No Woman No Cry” depicts struggles faced

growing up in Trench Town The album “Rastaman Vibration” was

released in 1976 Only album to reach top 10 on Billboard’s Top

200 The lyrics in “War” caused controversy from

Rastafarian influence, led to an assassination attempt

Biography

“Exodus” was the ninth studio album released in 1977 Arguably considered their best work Named Album of the Century by Time

Magazine in 1999 Top hits include: “Jammin,” Turn Your

Lights Down Low,” and “One Love”▪ Lyrics in “Jammin” mock assassin saying, “No

bullet can stop us now”

Biography

July 1977, Marley was diagnosed with cancer Decided against amputation▪ Influenced by Rastafarian beliefs▪ Mostly did not because he would not be able to

dance and his football (aka soccer to Americans) game would be severely affected

Sought out holistic approach to treatment, but eventually cancer spread

He died on his way home to Jamaica on May 11, 1981 in Miami, Florida at age of 36.

Composition History

1980, “Uprising” Last studio album released before his

death “Redemption Song” last track▪ Solo acoustic ballad with Marley playing his

guitar, not traditional Reggae sound▪ Coming to terms with his approaching death

Composition History

1974, “Natty Dread” “No Woman No Cry”▪ Written by Marley, but composer credit to

childhood friend, Vincent Ford, from Trench Town▪ Marley’s way to repay friend for helping him out

when he was poor

▪ Lyrical references to leaving hometown, and not forgetting the good and bad experiences

Composition History

1977, “Exodus” “One Love”▪ Originally recorded in 1965 by The Wailers▪ Contains lyrics of The Impressions song,

“People Get Ready” written by Curtis Mayfield Marley’s passion for love, peace, and

equality were behind the song

Listening Guide

“Redemption” (3:47 min) 0:00 Intro: Song begins with a solo from an

guitar, staccato with melancholy feeling 0:18 Verse 1: Solo vocals begin with a true

sound of Marley's unique vocal tone and range

0:52 Chorus : The chorus remains slow with lead vocal and guitar playing

1:14 Verse 2: The guitar tempo remains the same and lead vocals flex between low to high in range

Listening Guide

“Redemption” continued… 1:47 Chorus: same – slow tempo 2:14 Guitar Bridge: Guitar solo with the

same melody and addition cords 2:30 Verse 3: Vocals incorporate a

staccato articulation, vocals are sang at a higher range

3:02 Chorus : same – slow tempo 3:47 Song ends

Listening Guide

“No Woman No Cry-Live” (7:08) 0.00 Intro: Consists of the chorus and band

playing at a slow tempo 0:52 Chorus: Chorus is sung by Bob Marley at

a slow tempo, he quickly changes his vocal range several times

1:15 Verse 1: keyboard plays a melody complimenting the vocals, percussion is keeping the beat steady by using a snare drum and a high-hat

2:06 Chorus: Chorus starts with vocals at a low pitch, percussion keeps a constant rhythm

Listening Guide

“No Woman No Cry-Live” (7:08) continued… 2:29 Verse 2: Tempo remains slow, vocal

range starts with a mid range switching to a high range pitch with a raspy tone

3:20 Bridge: Vocals, band, percussion and audience develop a faster and staccato Rhythm

3:45 Chorus: Vocal, band tempo and rhythm is slowed back down

4:07 Bridge (guitar): Vocals end, solo electric guitar riff

Listening Guide

“No Woman No Cry-Live” (7:08) continued… 4:58 Verse 3: Vocals begin again his voice sounds

strained trying to sing higher raspy notes. Tone of is louder, band is consistent with a louder sound

5:47 Chorus: Vocals transition to a low pitch, followed by backup singers repeating what was sung

6:36 Coda: At this point all vocals end and all that can be heard is the chorus being played by electric guitar along with the bass and percussion.

7:08 Song ends with applause by audience.

Listening Guide

“One Love” (2:52) 0:00 Intro: The melody displays the classic off beat

rhythm of Reggae, steel drum are being played 0:15 Chorus: Vocals are slow, off beat in tempo and

melodic 0:47 Verse 1: Vocals have a smooth melody and

tone, backup singers add a vocal counter melody 1:12 Chorus: A bell is added with the percussion

and is being timed to play on the offbeat,vocals continue to be melodic, variations in pitch are a bit higher.

Listening Guide

“One Love” (2:52) continued… 1:43 Verse 2: Backup singers are adding a

counter melody to the lead vocals as well as singing synchronized with lead vocal

2:08 Chorus: Vocals are being emphasized more as the song draws to an end

2: 32 Coda: Vocals slowly lower pitch, band lowers tone as song draws to an end

2:52 Song ends

Bibliography

http://www.aaregistry.org/historic_events/view/bob-marley

http://www.biography.com/people/bob-marley-9399524?page=2

http://www.bobmarley.com http://www.google.com/imgres http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002490/bi

o http://www.mixedracestudies.org http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/

episodes/bob-marley/timeline/657 http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/

bob-marley/biography http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/bio

graphies/bob-marley.html http://www.time.com/time/magazine/articl

e/0,9171,993039,00.html