Bob Marley 40th Anniversary - 6 Feb 1945 - 11 May 1981

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the passing of reggae pioneer and legend Robert Nesta Marley on 11 May 1981 aged only 36. He would have been 76 on 6 Feb 2021.

He released his first record in 1962, aged 17. It is astonishing to look back on the fact that he didn't have a UK hit until Sep. 1975, and less than six years later was no longer with us.

I contemplated what to post and then had the brainwave of checking Joel Whitburn's 'bible' of R&B hit singles to see what entered the US R&B chart. His first three, of only seven entries, were the highest: 'Roots, Rock, Reggae' #37, 'Exodus' #19 and 'Waiting In Vain' #38, so I'll go with those  (12" version of 'Exodus' and US version of 'Waiting') , plus one other 'Wake Up And Live' #93, as two of the above are very well known.

I also did a post in Feb to commemorate his birthday with some live tracks and alternate takes.

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Bob Marley Birthday Tribute - 6 of the Best

It's Bob Marley's birthday today (6 Feb 1945) he would have been 76 but died at the very young age of 36 on 11 May 1981.

To commemorate his anniversary here's 6 of the very best including an early release, a remix and a couple of live tracks.

1965 - I'm Still Waiting

1975 - No Woman No Cry - Live at The Rainbow 4th June 1977

1977 - Exodus - Live at The Rainbow 4 June 1977

1977 - Waiting In Vain (Alternate Version)

1978 - Is This Love (Sam Redmore's Acoustic Takedown) 2017

1980 - Could You Be Loved - Live The Uprising Tour 1980