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Robert Nesta Marley was born to Cedella Marley at the age of 18 and Norval Marley when he was about 60 in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica
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Marley, having left school at 14, and trained as a welde. He records two singles, Judge Not (Unless you Judge Yourself)' and One Cup of Coffee at a local studio by Leslie Kong , owner of the Beverley's label.
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Forms the Wailing Rudeboys with Trenchtown pals, peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston; they are joined by Junior Braithwaite and female vocalists Beverly Kelso and Cherry Green. The group undergoes extensive tuition with vocalists Joe Higgs and drummer Alvin 'Secco' Patterson, and records some 70-80 tracks for the Studio One label with Coxsone Dodd.
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The Wailers's first single, 'Simmer Down', reaches Number 1 in Jamaica's JBC Radio Chart.
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Reunites with Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston, releasing singles on the Beverly's label. they cut a local hit, 'Bend Down Low', at Studio One
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Nash's manager, signs Marley to Nash's JAD label.
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Wailers sign with Island Records's boss Chris Blackwell.
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Second Island album "Burnin" released.
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October 1974
"Natty Dread" released. The group is now called Bob Marley and The Wailers. Tosh and Livingston have gone solo -
Gunmen break in to Marley's home in Kingston during the Jamaican general election campaign. present are Marley and RIta.Marley is shot in his upper body and arm, Rita receives a head wound, friend Lewis Griffith is seriously wounded as is Don Taylor, but all survive. Marley hides out in Jamaica's Blue Mountains after release from hospital. Four days later he performs at the 'Smile Jamai festival, although he is unable to play guitar due to his wounds. Rita sings, with her head in bandages.
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The Wailers are based in London, on and off, for three months while working on their next album, during which time Marley and Aston Barret are arrested and fined for possession of herb.
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In Miami, a cancerous growth is diagnosed on one of Marley's toes-the press is informed that it is a foot injury received while playing soccer.
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The album "Kaya" is recorded in England: the single 'Is This Love' reaches the UK Top Ten.
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The Wailers are the first reggae act to play at Harlem's famous Apollo Theater, in front of a backdrop featuring an Ethiopian flag, a portrait of Haile Selassie, and a collage of Marcus Garvey and other black freedom fighters.
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During dates at Madison Square Garden, New York, supporting the Commodores, Marley collapses while jogging. Cancer is detected
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Marley dies at Miami's Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, days after arriving.
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He is buried on 21 May after lying in state at the National Arena, Kingston
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"Your worst enemy could be your best friend, and your best friend your worst enemy." — Bob Marley -
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"Don't gain the world and lose your soul, wisdom is better than silver or gold..."
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"Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny."
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Induction of Bob Marley to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. The induction speech is given by U2 singer Bono.
