Sign in
Explore“None but ourselves can free our minds.” – Bob Marley
In 1980, the United Nations gave Bob Marley the Medal of Peace. Why?
Because Bob Marley changed the world.
Just about everyone has heard a Bob Marley song at one point in their life. Whether that’s “Is This Love?”, “Don’t Worry Be Happy”, “No Woman No Cry”, or any of his other iconic pieces – if you put on his music, you’re sure to find a song you’ve heard before somewhere. Some people associate him with stoners or hippies, but the truth is: Bob Marley was an ambassador for Reggae and a catalyst for social change in a world torn apart by racial hierarchy and war.
Here’s some facts about Reggae’s most beloved artist that you might not know:
- Marley always had an interest in the Rastafarian movement in Jamaica, and was actually immensely religious.
- The lyrics to Marley’s song “War” were taken from a speech given by Ethiopian leader Haile Selassie. The song calls for social change, freedom from oppression, and an Africa untouched by European rule.
- On December 3rd, 1976, Marley, his wife, and his manager, survived a political assassination attempt. Bob Marley still played at his next planned concert just two days later.
- Bob Marley was the first international superstar to come from a third world country.
- Marley was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
- Marley’s album Exodus is considered one of the best albums ever made.
Bob Marley died from cancer on May 11th, 1981. He was given a hero’s send-off in Jamaica. Over 30,000 people paid their respects at his memorial service. He paved the way for future African artists to take on the world, and his music has been loved and listened to worldwide. Much of his music, including his entire album of Survival, was seen as a call for unity on the African continent.
PHOTO: bobmarley.com
Even after his death, Bob Marley is still remembered as a man wholly committed to ending oppression and injustice and conflict. In his memory, the Marley family founded The Bob Marley Foundation to help people in Third World nations receive education, access to food and clean water, among other issues Marley was passionate about.
If you’re anything like me, you love Bob Marley and his music not only because of how good his music sounds, but for the passion behind his lyrics and his life. We’ve compiled a collection of tees that pay tribute to Reggae’s greatest musician. I think they do him justice. Why don’t you check them out? Even better, if you’re looking for a Bob Marley tee that you don’t see here, please submit it, so we can expand our collection.
Spread the Marley love, guys, and never stop liberating your mind. The world needs more people like you.
