Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica. In 1963, Marley and his friends formed the wailing wailers. The Wailers’ big break came in 1972, when they landed a contract with Island Records. Marley went on to sell more tan 20 million records throughout his career, making him the first international superstar to emerge from a so-called Third World.
The Wailers
A local record producer, Leslie Kong, liked Marley’s vocals and had him record a few singles, the first of which was “Judge Not” released in 1962. While he did not fare well as a solo artist, Marley found some success joining forces with his friends. In 1963, Marley, Livingston and McIntosh formed the Wailing Wailers. Their first single, “Simmer Down”, went to the top of the Jamaican charts in January 1964. By this time, the group also included Junior Braithwaite, Beverly Kelso and cherry smith.
The Group became quite popular in Jamaica, but they had difficulty making it financially. Braithwaite, Kelso and Smith left the group. The remaining members drifted apart for a time.
Marley forged a distinctive songwriting and vocal style that would later resonate with audiences worldwide. Especially after the Wailers disbanded in 1974. Marley pursued a solo career upon his relocation to England that culminated in the release of his next album, “Exodus”. This established his worldwide reputation and ultimately made him the world wide best selling artist that he became.
Marley died in Miami, Florida in 1981 due to skin cancer.