Overview Of Influence

When one thinks of Jamaica, Reggae music is usually the first thing that comes to mind. The world’s best-known Reggae artist, Bob Marley, incorporated his religion into his music. Bob spread the word of Rastafari through his music. He changed Rastafarianism and the world forever.

More than two decades after his premature death, Bob Marley’s many recordings are still selling all over the world. He has become an immortal, uncanny presence. Across the planet, his serious, pained and permanently youthful expression looks out from T-shirts, hats, badges, walls and posters. His voice talks back to power, exploitation and indifference with all the insolent style and complex rhetoric of a rebel captured in the process of becoming a revolutionary. That unchanging face now represents an iconic, godly embodiment of the universal struggle for justice, peace and human rights. (Gilroy 1)

A combination of factors contributed to Marley’s rise to fame. First of all, his timing was perfect. There was political and social unrest in Jamaica and poor people were looking for someone to give them hope. Also, the music industry needed something fresh, vibrant and new to give it a boost. “Marley’s stardom makes sense in the historical and cultural context provided by the end of Rock and Roll. He was the last rock star and the first figure of a new phase identified as the beginning of what has come to be known as ‘world music’” (Gilroy 4). Bob had a unique style, honest message and earthy sound. These combined with his fresh perspective and positive energy made him unforgettable.