5 Timeless Bob Marley Songs to Celebrate his 75th Birthday

Dying of cancer at the young age of 36, he will forever be remembered in our music history. With a rich catalogue of music and a consistent positive message Bob Marley & the Wailers have proved themselves to produce ageless music.

This year we are celebrating what would have been Bob Marley’s 75th birthday and the 40 year anniversary of one of his most famous songs ‘Redemption Song’.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994. Bob Marley and the Wailers helped to put Jamaica on the map and he became a true hero of reggae culture. Today, he remains one of the greatest musical icons of all time.

If you are searching for some music to help you chill out at home then look no further than any of the following Bob Marley songs. 

Redemption Song

2020 is the 40th anniversary of this world renowned hit. From the star’s final album ‘Uprising’, this song forms the basis of Bob Marley’s legacy to the world, bringing redemption through his music and lyrics. Its beauty is in its simplicity with Marley serenading us on acoustic guitar. Shining a light on his feelings about slavery and religion, this is a timeless song in the format of a message to the public. A stunning animated video featuring over 3000 original drawings was commissioned to mark the anniversary and is now available to view on YouTube. 

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery

None but ourself can free our minds

Have no fear for atomic energy

‘Cause none of them can stop the time”

One Love

Famously written in the middle of a tumultuous Jamaican election in 1976, this classic anthem featured on the Bob Marley & the Wailers Exodus album in 1977. Preaching his message of love and togetherness. One Love is a call for us to be united. It can be heard in plenty of blockbuster movies such as ‘Marley & Me’ and ‘Shrek Forever After’. 

Is This Love

A clap-along tune, this popular song was released on the album ‘Kaya’ in 1978. With an upbeat, reggae style, it’s easy going musical qualities led to its worldwide fame.  As with his other songs Marley’s message is strong, he simply wants the world to live in harmony. If you are having a bad day turn on this song and it is guaranteed to lift your mood. Can you spot Naomi Campbell’s appearance in the video?

No Woman No Cry

This is arguably the most popular song from the Exodus Album and still features in sing-songs around the world today. This is a moving song that addresses the obstacles faced by those in poverty. The song records a couple meeting in Kingston. The live version released in 1975 is the song that most of us are familiar with. Just listening to the audience singing along in the background allows us to understand how moving this song is. Finishing with a repeated “everything’s gonna be alright” we again hear the message of hope repeated. The video has been viewed over 162 million times on YouTube. Bob reminds us to remember “the good people we meet” and the smaller things in life that make us happy like “the making of fire lights”. 

Good friends we have, oh, good friends we’ve lost

Along the way

In this great future, you can’t forget your past

So dry your tears, I seh

Three Little Birds

The ultimate feel good song. It was released as a single in 1980 and has been covered by many of the biggest names in the music business, including: Billy Ocean, Jason Mraz and Maroon 5. Turn it on and turn it up when you feel worried, anxious or just want to enjoy happy,reggae vibes. This is a chorus that will never go out of fashion. This track contains some of the most memorable Marley lyrics “Don’t worry about a thing” that are repeated throughout the track and are often mistaken as the song’s main title. 

 

“Don’t worry about a thing,

Cause every little thing gonna be all right.

Singin: don’t worry about a thing,

Cause every little thing gonna be all right!”

Bob Marley will continue to inspire generations and we will continue to listen to his music to brighten our days. He will always be considered as one of the pioneers in reggae music and we are once again acknowledging his contribution to the world, reminiscing on 40 years since he encouraged us to free our minds with Redemption Song.