Artists That Changed Music: Bob Marley

Today the influence of reggae is everywhere, and a world without it would be unthinkable. However, until the early seventies, reggae was virtually unknown in most of the world.

Reggae originated in relative isolation in Jamaica in the late 1960s, and when it was first heard in Europe and North America, it sounded truly revolutionary. It was a completely new sound that changed the course of music almost as much as rock ‘n roll had done a decade earlier.

However, reggae might not have caught on like a wildfire around the world had it not been introduced by an extraordinary man, who was both an extremely charismatic performer and one of the greatest singers and songwriters who ever lived. His name was, of course, Bob Marley.

Marley died young, at the age of 36 in 1981, yet over the course of a relatively short career that lasted less than two decades, with only eight years as an internationally charting artist, he became a household name around the world.

So how did such a startlingly original form of music, and such a startingly original musician and performer, emerge at the same time and in the same place—a small Caribbean island roughly the same size as Cyprus or New York City, with a population of less than two million people at the time Marley grew up? And how did this form of music and this performer manage to take the world by storm? These are the questions that we’ll discuss in this blog.

SYNCOPATION

The many music styles in Jamaica from which reggae arose include mento, calypso, jazz, rhythm and blues shuffle, Nyabingi music, and ska. Ska emerged in Jamaica in the late fifties, and is a dance music characterized by a quarter note walking bassline, the instantly recognizable guitar and piano accents on all upbeats, jazz-influenced horn riffs, and a kick drum accent on the third beat of the four-beat bar. It became the popular music amongst young people in Jamaica after the country gained independence from, British rule in 1962.

In the mid-sixties, ska transformed into rocksteady, which slowed down the beat, and laid the accents on two and four. From this, it was a relatively minor step towards reggae, which slows down the beat even more, and keeps the accents on two and four, usually played by guitar and/or keyboard. Unusually, the snare accents the third beat, suggesting half time.

The most common reggae drum rhythm is called ‘one drop,’ because it has only one kick in each bar. In a reversal of the emphasis on the one in funk, the kick on the first beat is left out. Instead, the kick, like the snare, only accents the third beat. As reggae musicians like to put it: play three beats and only suggest the fourth. The ‘steppers’ reggae rhythm is a variation, with a four-on-the-floor kick.

Research by Paul Tingen

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What other artists do YOU think changed music? Comment them below!

[skakazulo]

my name is Tyrone Marley. I am 11 years old and I was named after Bob Marley. I love his music and thank you mum for named me after this great human being. One love ❤💛💚

[SylviaDaley]

I’m Jamaican and a documentarian of Bob Marley the man and his music. You’ve done the most wonderful job in this production. It should be expanded into a full length film. It would win at every film festival. By the way, I saw Bob Marley on stage at the Madison Square Gardens and the 1980’s Hamburg concerts. Entrancing!
You’ve produced a great work! Thank you for getting this out to the people. Hail Bob Marley!

[paulEmotionalaudio]

I don’t anyone who grew up in the 70’s and 80’s, especially in the UK, and doesn’t love at least 2 or 3 Marley & The Wailers songs. For me his music shaped so much for the youth of the time and continues to do so. Like the album, simply a Legend.

[asacrusoe]

Bob, Peter Tosh, and Bunny in the same band is crazy.

[thewolflobo]

None has been able to impact the world like Bob Marley, trust me, I am latino and i can tell you that from Mexico to the end of the continent he's a legend, all hispanic countries love love him and he's damn missed..

[roynish]

The emotions you let transcend in your personal tribute to Bob were shared and appreciated. Give thanks!

[shango]

You gave the most accurate statement about a Black person in the diaspora when you described Bob's mother. Thank you.

[rockaguilar]

My wife bought me a record player and the Album Legend for a Christmas gift last year. What a great gift

[loxleygrichards]

I am a Jamaican and I’m proud of the diligent work that you have done in this Marley research. Thank you very much. Loxley Richards.

[sulsu]

Bob Marley is more than just a muscian or songwriter, he was a spokesperson for humanitarianism & a gifted charismatic being chosen to reshape our views on life. Well done Warren, this was one of your best!

[brandoncrow]

Marley not only changed music, he changed LIFE as we know it! This man was so far ahead of his time, we're still in awe 40 years after his death. Thank you, Warren for the amazing video and tribute to the king, Robert Nesta Marley, O.M. cheers from the US! ✌️

[MrNicknayme]

Sometimes a YouTube video is fun, or helpfull, or whatnot, but still become a background video for other activities. This video about Bob Marley stopped me in my tracks and I was hanging on to your every word. Thank you guys SO much for this jewel.

[RCSmiths]

Bob Marley is simply one of the greatest musicians of all time. His motivational and inspirational music led so many, and definitely put Reggae on the map! Awesome work as always!

[beyourself]

For black Caribbean people, our lives start and end with music and our music and black American music from ragtime, jazz, gospel, rock n roll, soul, rap and hip hop is what makes my world go around, for sure.

[grmusic]

War story: My day job from 1976 to 1981 was working in the guitar department at Manny's Music on 48th St in Manhattan. I remember Al Anderson was in the store one day, when it was clear that Bob was really sick so we asked how he was doing. It really stuck with me how Al said (in his perfect Jersey accent) that "It started in his....foot" It was chilling. He couldn't believe it, and neither could we - a deity felled by some cells that wouldn't stop dividing. Every day, tell the ones you love that you love them - and RIP Bob.

[paulbruce]

As you know Warren I'm a being a baggy kid frim Northern Britain im a stone roses who later worked with Leckie but I have more pictures of Bob marley than the beatles in my studio. Even the fridge in the kitchen has bob magnets on. He brings thst chilled love vibe which is essential for every session i do. Rest in Peace Robert Nesta Marley. Jah rastafari. ❤️💛💚💯✌️

[imacmadman]

Bob Marley is like a lightning bolt, he not only changed music - he created a style of music and made it his own. In addition to changing music, he created a culture, beyond music. His message of peace, brotherhood and equality is an example more should portray. He is in that pantheon of those rare artists who not only changed the medium, but changed the world too. Excellent video, Warren. Thank you!

Also - Carlos Santana deserves an "Artists Who Changed Music" video.

[chrisj]

Ive been living by Bobs teachings and wisdom for over 30 years. It’s incredible how so many of his songs /lyrics are still relevant in todays landscape.

[meishieg]

Thank you for this documentary. Makes me feel extremely proud to be a Jamaican.