Bob Marley has impacted the world with his reggae music, becoming very influential worldwide.
The influence started in Jamaica with the style of music, then transferred into the world with a spiritual vibe creating ¨peace and love.” His unifying music challenged colonialism and racism as he sang in the music “Óne drop.”
He has sold millions of albums worldwide, twenty million to be exact. He introduced the world to Rastafarianism, rooting in ideas of personal and spiritual freedom, peace, love, and cultural unity. Known as a ¨Hero¨ for globalizing the Rastafarian religion and for decolonization and black consciousness. He inspired famous artists like Rihanna, Wyclef Jean, and surprisingly The Police.
The changes he has made for the black community were his music becoming closely associated with the movement towards black political independence. A great example is “Get up, Stand up.” With very popular songs that caused a variety of the population to cherish and appreciate the music, which Marley introduced people to in the seventies, with songs like “Positive Virbation,” and “Redemption Songs.”
One could learn that Bob Marley had a goal and a dream, not to be famous or sing for fun, but to create a message through his music and spread peace and love. Marley´s fans knew that his riches were “life.” He had money and fame, but couldn’t care less of it.
“Live for yourself and you will live in vain; Live for others, and you will live again,” from a 1979 interview. His legacy appealed to the oppressed and downtrodden, and inspired anyone who believed music could change the world.