"I handle fame by not being famous...I'm not famous to me." - Bob Marley, Dec. 1974"

1. Reggae King of The World

Like Elvis and The Beatles, Bob Marley is a musical and cultural icon. He holds a permanent place as the most important figure in Jamaican music history. The world regards him as the king of reggae music and his country celebrates him as a national hero. Despite his fame and global-wide praise, some still debate that perhaps his talent was questionable and was owed a great deal to two other musicians.

2. One Cup of Coffee

Many have criticized that the legend of Bob Marley was a fabrication nourished by Island Records and that his image was a story concocted by producer Chris Blackwell. It is true that Island Records did a very good job of packaging Bob Marley as a "Reggae Deity" for millions of rock fans craving larger than life idols to worship. Originally The Wailers were a singing and songwriting ensemble with Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. All three were of similar importance and equally shared the limelight. However, it was Blackwell that first singled Bob out as a possible star. No one argues that Bob was truly the best musically of the three, but the change in the structure of the band caused a deep rift. Eventually, Peter, Bunny and Bob parted company. Leaving many fans with the feeling that the best music was produced while they were involved during the early years.

3. Buffalo Soldier

February is Black History Month in the United States, peaking the month is February 6th, Bob Marley's birthday. There are reggae and Bob Marley festivals all over the world during this month.

4. Roots, Rock, Reggae

"Rastafari not a culture, it's a reality." - 1976

The Rastafarian movement was found by a few select people in the early 1930's. The God of Rastafarian's is Ras Tafari Makonnen, who was the king of Ethiopia. He is also called Jah. The complete name of Rastafari is Jah Rastafari. It has no official church buildings or leaders and no afterlife or hell. The Nile Valley, stretching from Ethiopia and Egypt, is considered as Heaven on earth. Rastafarianism has nearly a million members all over the world. For Rastas, reggae is the music of the Kings.

5. Iron Lion Zion

The flag of Rastas is red, yellow and green with a figure of a lion. The red color symbolizes the church of Rastafarians. The yellow represents the wealth of Rasta's homeland. Green is a symbol of the abundant beautiful nature of the Promised Land. The lion is the Lion of Judah, which represents Haile Selassie, the Conqueror. He is known as the King of Kings. Bob Marley was often photographed wearing a lion's head ring. Fitting also that he was referred to as the king of Reggae, which, as stated above, is the music of the kings.

6. The Weed of Wisdom

For Rastafarians, the herb "ganja" - better known as marijuana, is regarded as the "wisdom weed". Rasta leaders urge that it be smoked as a religious rite. They allege it was growing on the grave of King Solomon and is cited in biblical passages, such as Psalms 104:14 - "He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man, that he may bring forth food out of the earth." Marley quotes, "The more people smoke herb, the more Babylon fall."

7. Daily Gleaner

Interesting quotes by Bob Marley -

"You have to be someone."

"I believe in freedom for everyone, not just the black man."

"I have a BMW. But only because BMW stands for Bob Marley and The Wailers, and not because I need an expensive car." - 1977

"I drive a jeep. An old jeep, so nobody will say I'm driving a BMW anymore. I couldn't stand that BMW, ha ha ha! BMW make pure trouble!" - 1980

8. So Much Trouble In The World

Bob Marley unfortunately succumbed to cancer at a very early age. In the summer of 1980, he collapsed at Madison Square Garden during a concert. He started treatment with specialist Dr. Josef Issles, but by May 3 the doctor had given up the treatments. On May 11 1981, at the age of 36, Bob Marley died in Miami, Florida.

9. Wailing Rudeboy

Originally Bob's band, The Wailers were named The Wailing Rudeboys. A Rude boy? Perhaps. Call him what you will - apostle, shaman, prophet, priest or music idol. Bob Marley has become a part of all our lives.

"My music will go on forever. Maybe it's a fool say that, but when me know facts me can say facts. My music will go on forever." - Bob Marley