Its hard to believe that from such a tiny little island, could arise a giant amongst men. A man among men that could be such a force for good, and harmony, and peace. That from his humble beginnings such a giant would have an influence that would be felt on a global scale and stage. Bob Marley was that man. While I'm sure that was not his ambition as a child, he surely accepted it, as he would the waters that surrounded his home town of Kingston on the Caribbean island of Jamaica.
It suited him as naturally as the cool flowing rhythms of his music. And, it fit many of those who followed, and continue to do his work today. Bob Marleys three daughters Stephanie, Cedella, and Karen have all been a part of the musical legacy and business deals that sprang for the work of Marley. His six sons, Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Damian, Ky-Mani, and Rohan have all followed along the musical path first trod down by Bob.
It's truly an inspired musical family of unequaled proportions, even to this day. Such an inspiring family, must surely suggest that music more than just runs through the family. It defines it, it inspires it, and it defies any logical explanation. It is more than just the music that runs through the family veins, it is the beliefs, the spirit, and enthusiasm that instills and influences every member of his family. It will be exciting to see what the follow generation of the Marley generation will bring to the world.
This diverse family of music, has simply extend their hold on the world of music. While Bob Marleys offspring's have taken their own individual music paths, they have simply extend what Bob began over twenty five years ago. While Bob Marley will always be remembered for Reggae, one would be remiss to to forget the influence he had on several genres of music, including pop, rhythm & blues, soul, and rock.
One has to wonder where such a powerful force for music, art, posters, clothing, belief, spirituality could have ascended from. Kingston Jamaica was not a gentile place in our not so distant past, and even closer still to the childhood of Bob Marley. Slavery was a big part of Jamaica's history, and influenced and molded the culture that would have give birth to a young Bob Marley. There's no denying it's influence on his music, and tone of his early years.
What's truly amazing about Bob Marley, is how his music was not entirely predicated on any one thing or feeling. While it does have it's dark and oppressive messages, it's also a music that is full of light and enlightenment. That is the dichotomy that is the music of Bob Marley, and in reality a perfect reflection of the world he lived in and the true humanity of the human soul. |
