Friday, October 7, 2011

Bob Marley Introduces Reggae To The World

By Scott Baker


Reggae, a musical style closely associated with ska and rocksteady, was largely restricted to its native Jamaica and almost unheard of in other parts of the world.Bob Marley and his companions in the band The Wailers turned what was once an unsung musical style into a popular musical genre.The global audience grew accustomed to the rhythmic stylings of the beat and the sociopolitical significance contained in the lyrics.Bob Marley tshirts featuring his image or lyrics from one of his songs along with the Jamaican flag colors are very popular as they link the man with the country.

One of Marley's best known songs is One Love, a lighthearted rallying cry for unity and praising the Lord.One Love was selected by Time in 1999 as one of the best songs in the century, with its album Exodus also being selected as best album.Other well-known songs include I Shot The Sheriff, No Woman No Cry, Redemption Song, and Three Little Birds.There are some great Bob Marley t-shirts out there that relate to some of his best known songs.

The Rastafari movement, a religious and ideological movement that recognizes Haile Selassie as a reincarnated Jesus Christ, was brought to the world's attention because of Marley's involvement in the movement.Members of the Rastafari are also known as Rastas for short, and commonly use marijuana as an tool for becoming closer to God.Other distinguishing features of the Rastafari movement are dreadlocks, and vegetarianism.

Coming from a third world country, Marley and his band were one of the first musical activists that brought to light the struggles faced by those countries.He often sang about peace and resolving conflicts without violence, in light of the violence present in his native Jamaica.Though Marley was of mixed-race ancestry, he believed in the equality of all human beings, strongly asserting that the color of one's skin does not define their place in the world.

Marley's soulful, and passionate music brought to light issues that required everyone's attention, and perhaps changed people's attitudes for the better.His music, along with merchandise like Bob Marley tees, continues to sell well worldwide.




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