“Live for yourself and you will live in vain. Live for others, and you will live again.” This was a quote by Bob Marley, the musical legend is known for his Rastafarian trademark, chill reggae music, not to mention pot but beneath all of the tricolours and dreadlocked hair, this man has the ultimate vision of changing the world and restoring faith in humanity. His best way of reaching out to others is through his music.
Since Bob Marley’s sad death on May 11, 1981, his legend comes into view larger than ever, as made clear by long lists of accomplishments attached to his music, which fought the despots and campaigned for social change while at the same time allowing listeners to forget their troubles and fears. People listening just sway their heads and bodies and dance to the rhythmical reggae. Bob Marley was welcomed into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994; in December 1999, his 1977 album “Exodus” was named Album of the Century by Time Magazine and his song “One Love” was designated Song of the Millennium by the BBC. Even though he got various awards and recognition, his music was never recognized with a Grammy nomination. Despite this, he was bestowed The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001, an honor given by the Recording Academy to “performers who during their lifetimes, have made creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance to the field of recording.”
That same year, a feature documentary directed by Jeremy Marre about his life, “Rebel Music”, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Long Form Music Video documentary. In 2001 Bob Marley was accorded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, in Hollywood, California. As a recipient of this distinction, Bob Marley also joined musical prodigies including Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder and The Temptations.
I believe his song “One Love” boxes up all he has to say as a striking and cataclysmic message to people of different races, religion, age and gender. “One love! One heart! Let's get together and feel all right.” The lyrics, simple and short as they may seem but they have the power to etch into people’s hearts forever. Upon hearing this song, I have felt that this should be the anthem of humanity. I have felt that this song could easily grasp and hold the hearts of many, to persuade them to better the world one step at a time through singing and jiving to Bob Marley’s famous and everlasting songs for the souls.
