"Money can't buy life" said Bob Marley in 1981

Fun Fact of the Week

Bob Marley was raised as a catholic and converted to Rastafarian. He became the voice of social change in Jamaica and the voice of repression everywhere.  On his death bed his final words to his eldest son Ziggy, were” Money can’t buy life”. He died at age 36 in 1981 from cancer, but his deep influence lives on.

In 2007 his son Ziggy became an official supporter of ‘Little Kids Rock’ a non-profit organization that provides free musical instruments and free lessons to children in public schools throughout the United States. He goes to schools on occasion to help out with the programme.

The influence of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, who were in their first band together, is quite prolific.

There are reggae and ska influences in much mainstream pop music. So called ‘dub’ music, hip hop and rap owe reggae for its influences as well. ‘Toasting’ or talking over was first introduced in reggae music and later adopted by a DJ in New York.

Ska and Reggae have influenced many bands including, (but by far not limited to):

The Police, the Clash, UB40, Sublime,  Madness, Stevie Wonder, The Specials, Eric Clapton,  Led Zeppelin , No Doubt, and Radiohead..

If you are in the mood to get funky, give the 1977 album ‘Exodus’ a listen – probably his best. You may also want to give bands “Fishbone” and “The Mighty Mighty Bosstones” a listen, as well as Peter Tosh’s work.

You’ll be jammin’ mon!