A subject normally covered in Rolling Stone Argentina. The world of raggae music is preparing to celebrate the memory of the legendary raggae singer Bob Marley on what would be his 67th birthday on Monday.
Born Robert Nesta Marley in Saint Ann, Jamaica and later nick-named Bobby Martell on one of his earliest releases. Bob Marley was the Third World's first pop superstar. His album 'Bob Marley & The Wailers' Exodus' was called by Time magazine "the greatest album of the 20th century". And even long after his death Marley's music has helped him posthumously be awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and receive some +35.5 million likes on Facebook and rising.
Jann Wenner once said:
"He was a true rocker at heart, and as a songwriter, he brought the lyrical force of Bob Dylan, the personal charisma of John Lennon, and the essential vocal stylings of Smokey Robinson into one voice."
Earlier this week, Marley's daughter, Cedella Marley, announced a resurrection as it were of a collection of her father's poems, meditations, and lyrics. She spoke about her father on a Youtube video released for the book entitled "Listen to Bob Marley: The Man, the Music, the Revolution" View here.
Also in the video, founder of Island records, Chris Blackwell talks about Marley's impact on every corner of the world. According to Blackwell, not even the Beatles or Micheal Jackson have achieved such a level of global recognition.
That recognition is certainly about to be shown as festivals and concerts are happening throughout this month until March 3rd in the UK, the United States and Jamaica for its Raggae Month. According to Samra Wilt, a Corresponding Secretary for the Ethiopian World Federation in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the group has scheduled an event on the 5th to be held in Ethiopia.
Meanwhile, here in Chi-Town several events are planned during the weekend of Feb 4th-5th. A major one is the Bob Marley Earth Day Celebration thrown by Vincent Gordon. The event is happening on Chicago Ave in honor of the legendary singer. They will have live painting by Gordon, an open mic and feature live music from local radio DJs such as Slacky J and DJ Erik P.
Events are also taking place all over the globe, yet the love might not be the only thing that will be free. According to Gordon's posted schedule, free Bob Marley CDs will be given away. Also other major city events instead of 'passing the dutch' are giving away admissions to the needy in the spirit of charity. In San Diego around February 18 and 19 is the 2012 Tribute to the Reggae Legends concert, the one formerly known as Bob Marley Day. Organizers have states that the festival is a fundraiser for WorldBeat Center's Music Programs and a Children's Garden.
"With the downturn in the economy and lack of non-profit funding, WorldBeat Center has strengthened it's inner sustainability through concert productions. This concert funds WBC's yearly Free events such as Earth Day, MLK Day, Health lectures, classes and workshops".
Also in Miami, the 19th Annual 9 Mile Music Festival stated that it requires four canned goods as part of the admission fee that will be donated to those in need throughout South Florida. Performances at the event also include Stephen and Damian Marley among others.
Cedella states that her father truly believed he could change the world and with all the giving and charity going on throught this month he certainly has done his part.
Comments