peter tosh journey

The Peter Tosh story

The Rebel Prophet of Reggae

In the annals of reggae music, few figures stand as tall and as uncompromising as Peter Tosh. A luminary alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer in the legendary Wailers, Tosh carved out a unique legacy as a fiery advocate for social justice, an unyielding voice against oppression, and a musical innovator whose influence continues to reverberate through generations.

Born Winston Hubert McIntosh on October 19, 1944, in Grange Hill, Jamaica, Tosh emerged from humble beginnings, his early life marked by the struggles and hardships typical of Jamaica's impoverished communities. Yet, it was within this crucible of adversity that Tosh found his voice, his music becoming a potent vehicle for both personal expression and societal change.

Tosh's journey into the world of music began in the late 1950s when he befriended two other young talents, Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. Together, they formed the nucleus of what would later become the Wailers, a group that would redefine the sound and spirit of Jamaican music. With Tosh's electrifying guitar riffs, Marley's soulful vocals, and Wailer's rhythmic bass, the Wailers burst onto the scene, blending elements of ska, rocksteady, and traditional Jamaican music into a revolutionary new sound.

As the Wailers gained prominence, Tosh emerged as a powerful force within the group, his impassioned lyrics and uncompromising stance earning him the nickname "Stepping Razor." His solo compositions, such as "400 Years," "Equal Rights," and "Legalize It," became anthems of resistance, rallying cries against the injustices of racism, poverty, and political oppression.

At the heart of Tosh's music was a profound commitment to social change. He was unafraid to confront the status quo, using his platform to speak out against issues such as apartheid in South Africa, the legalization of marijuana, and the exploitation of the poor and marginalized. Tosh's activism was not confined to his music; he was a tireless advocate for human rights, often risking his own safety to stand up for what he believed in.

Tosh's uncompromising nature sometimes put him at odds with the mainstream music industry, but he remained steadfast in his convictions, refusing to water down his message for the sake of commercial success. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career, Tosh's influence continued to grow, earning him respect and admiration from fans around the world.

Tragically, Tosh's life was cut short when he was brutally murdered during a home invasion on September 11, 1987. Yet, his legacy endures, his music serving as a timeless reminder of the power of art to inspire change and challenge the status quo. From the streets of Kingston to concert halls around the globe, Peter Tosh remains a symbol of resistance, a rebel prophet whose voice continues to echo through the corridors of history.

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7 facts about peter tosh you probably didn't know.

Fun fact - the legendary Reggae artist Peter Tosh began his journey in church. Yes, that's right—he was deeply involved in church in his early days.  Tosh sang in the choir and even mastered the organ. But hold onto your hats, because when he relocated to Trench Town in Kingston , everything changed. There, he was exposed to a secular lifestyle and he crossed paths with some of the founding fathers of Reggae including the iconic Bob Marley who later collaborated with him to make some of the greatest hits out of Jamaica.  But wait, there's more! Here are seven facts about Peter Tosh that you probably didn't know . Born Winston Hubert McIntosh Peter Tosh was born Winston Hubert McIntosh on October 19, 1944. From Grange Hill, Westmoreland For part of his childhood, Tosh lived in Grange Hill, Westmoreland. Had many talents Tosh was recognized for his multifaceted talents as a musician, singer, songwriter, composer, and performer. Described as a great lyricist of modern times He was described as one of the great lyricists of modern times by writer Mat Cibula. Advocate for Black Nationalism Tosh was not only a musician but also a political revolutionary artist. His music heavily encouraged Black Nationalism or Pan-Africanism. Compared to Malcolm X Rolling Stone magazine compared Tosh to Malcolm X for his political activism in reggae music. Co-wrote "Get Up, Stand Up" Marley and Peter Tosh wrote “Get Up, Stand Up,” in 1973. They wrote it after visiting Haiti and seeing the poverty there. Peter Tosh's story Peter Tosh's impact on Reggae music and beyond cannot be overstated. His journey from the church choir to the streets of Trench Town, where he joined forces with Bob Marley to revolutionize Jamaican music clearly shows his determination and vision. Though his life was tragically cut short, Tosh's influence is still evident in the work of modern Reggae musicians.

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Peter Tosh: The Stepping Razor of Reggae

Reggae music, with its roots deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of Jamaica, has produced iconic figures who not only shaped the genre but also left an indelible mark on the global music scene. One such luminary was Peter Tosh, a trailblazing musician, activist, and unapologetic advocate for social justice.

Born Winston Hubert McIntosh on October 19, 1944, in Westmoreland, Jamaica, Tosh emerged as a prominent figure in the reggae movement during the 1960s and 1970s. His journey began in the vibrant musical landscape of Kingston, where he honed his skills and found a musical partner in Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer. Together, they formed the iconic reggae trio, The Wailers, and laid the foundation for a musical revolution. Tosh's contribution to The Wailers was distinctive, both musically and ideologically. His powerful baritone vocals, coupled with his unparalleled guitar skills, added a rebellious edge to the group's sound. Tosh's compositions often delved into the harsh realities of life in Jamaica, addressing issues such as poverty, oppression, and systemic injustice. One of his most renowned compositions, "Equal Rights," became an anthem for the marginalized and disenfranchised, advocating for equality and human rights.

In addition to his musical prowess, Tosh was a fervent advocate for the legalization of marijuana, a cause that he championed throughout his life. His landmark album, "Legalize It," released in 1976, not only showcased his musical genius but also served as a bold declaration in support of the decriminalization of cannabis. Tosh's outspoken advocacy for the herb made him a symbol of resistance against societal norms and an enduring figure in the fight for personal freedom. Despite the success of The Wailers and their global impact, Tosh pursued a solo career in the late 1970s. His solo albums, including "Equal Rights" and "Bush Doctor," further solidified his reputation as a reggae revolutionary. Tosh's uncompromising stance on social and political issues, coupled with his unwavering commitment to the Rastafarian movement, made him a unique and influential voice in the world of reggae. Tragically, Tosh's life was cut short on September 11, 1987, when he was brutally murdered during a home invasion. His untimely death robbed the world of a musical genius and a fearless advocate for justice. However, Peter Tosh's legacy continues to resonate, transcending time and inspiring generations of musicians and activists.

Beyond his musical contributions, Tosh's impact on reggae and the broader cultural landscape cannot be overstated. His rebellious spirit and unapologetic pursuit of justice left an indelible mark on the evolution of reggae, influencing artists across genres and continents. Tosh's enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and ignite social change.

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Steppin' Razor: The Life of Peter Tosh Audio CD – Unabridged, August 1, 2012

• Language English
• Publisher Blackstone Pub
• Publication date August 1, 2012
• Dimensions 5.25 x 1.75 x 5.75 inches
• ISBN-10 1441752501
• ISBN-13 978-1441752505
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Blackstone Pub; Unabridged edition (August 1, 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1441752501
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1441752505
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.01 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1.75 x 5.75 inches

About the author

John masouri.

John Masouri is a UK music journalist specialising in reggae and dancehall. He lives in Brighton, England, and for over thirty years has interviewed and written about many of the genre’s most influential and well-known figures, chiefly for specialist magazines across Europe.

His books include a trilogy centred on Bob Marley and the Wailers. Simmer Down: Marley-Tosh-Livingston tells of the original vocal group's often turbulent journey from doo wop to dreadlocks whilst Wailing Blues is the authorised biography of Aston "Family Man" Barrett, and contains many revelations about the Marley's inner circle. Steppin’ Razor: The Life Of Peter Tosh followed in 2013, and shed fresh light on the controversial former Wailer's life and times.

His latest book is Rebel Frequency. This is an anthology of his writings about Jamaica's Reggae Revival and the first volume in his Reggae Chronicles series, published by Jook Joint Press.

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12 Surprising Facts About Peter Tosh

Written by Ginevra Holder

Modified & Updated: 15 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Peter Tosh, the legendary Jamaican musician and activist, remains an influential figure in the world of reggae music. Born Winston Hubert McIntosh on October 19, 1944, in Grange Hill, Jamaica, Tosh is best known as a member of the iconic reggae group, The Wailers, alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer.

While Tosh’s contribution to The Wailers and his solo career are well-documented, there are many surprising facts about him that often go unnoticed. From his rebellious nature to his passion for marijuana legalization, Peter Tosh left an indelible mark on the music industry and society as a whole. In this article, we will delve into 12 surprising facts about Peter Tosh, shedding light on his life, music, and activism.

Key Takeaways:

• Peter Tosh, a reggae legend, was a founding member of The Wailers and a fearless advocate for equal rights, leaving a lasting impact on music and social justice.
• Despite his tragic death in 1987, Peter Tosh’s music and legacy continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a national hero in Jamaica.

Peter Tosh was a founding member of the legendary reggae band, The Wailers.

Did you know that before pursuing a successful solo career, Peter Tosh was an integral part of The Wailers alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer? Together, they helped shape the sound and message of reggae music, spreading their positive vibes and social consciousness to the world.

His birth name was Winston Hubert McIntosh.

Winston Hubert McIntosh, better known by his stage name Peter Tosh, adopted the name “Tosh” as a tribute to his favorite musician, Peter Tosh. He believed that the name change would bring him closer to his musical idol and help him achieve his dreams of becoming a renowned artist.

Peter Tosh was an outspoken advocate for the legalization of marijuana.

A prominent figure in the Rastafarian movement, Peter Tosh passionately advocated for the decriminalization and acceptance of marijuana. He firmly believed in its healing properties and its potential to enhance spiritual awareness. His iconic song “Legalize It” became an anthem for the pro-marijuana movement.

He was a multi-instrumentalist.

In addition to his incredible vocal talent, Peter Tosh was a skilled musician who played various instruments, including the guitar, piano, and organ. His exceptional musical abilities allowed him to experiment with different sounds and genres, creating a unique fusion of reggae, rock , and soul.

Peter Tosh’s hit song, “Johnny B. Goode,” was a cover of Chuck Berry’s classic.

One of Peter Tosh’s most well-known songs, “Johnny B. Goode,” is actually a cover of the legendary Chuck Berry’s rock and roll anthem. Tosh’s rendition infused the track with his infectious reggae style, taking the song to new heights and captivating audiences worldwide.

He was a fearless advocate for equal rights.

Peter Tosh’s music was filled with powerful messages of equality and justice for all. He fearlessly spoke out against racism, apartheid, and social injustices, using his platform to raise awareness and inspire change. His songs, such as “Equal Rights ” and “Apartheid,” became anthems for the struggle against oppression.

Peter Tosh collaborated with numerous musical icons.

Throughout his career, Peter Tosh collaborated with a wide range of influential artists, demonstrating his versatility and musical prowess. He worked with the likes of Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, and Willie Nelson , creating memorable and timeless musical collaborations that showcased his unique talent.

He was a Grammy Award winner.

Peter Tosh’s musical genius was recognized with a Grammy Award in 1988, posthumously winning the Best Reggae Recording category for his album “No Nuclear War .” This achievement cemented his position as one of reggae music’s most iconic and influential figures.

He had a deep spiritual connection to Africa.

As a Rastafarian, Peter Tosh had a profound spiritual connection to Africa . He viewed Africa as the homeland of his ancestors and drew inspiration from its rich history and culture . His songs often showcased his love for Africa and his desire for unity among African people.

Peter Tosh was tragically killed in 1987.

Despite his tremendous contributions to music and activism, Peter Tosh’s life was cut short when he was fatally shot during a home invasion in His untimely death was a great loss to the music industry and the world, but his legacy and impact continue to live on.

He was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit by the Jamaican government.

In recognition of his immense contributions to Jamaican music and culture, Peter Tosh was awarded the Order of Merit, the country’s third-highest honor, posthumously in This prestigious accolade solidified his status as a national hero and further immortalized his legacy.

Peter Tosh’s music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

The timeless music of Peter Tosh transcends generations and continues to captivate listeners around the world. His profound lyrics, infectious rhythms, and unwavering commitment to social justice ensure that his impact will be felt for years to come.

In conclusion, Peter Tosh was a remarkable artist who left an indelible mark on the music industry and the world. His talent, passion, and activism set him apart, and his music continues to resonate with fans of all generations. From his contributions to the success of The Wailers to his solo career and advocacy for social justice, Tosh’s impact cannot be understated. Whether you’re a fan or new to his music, exploring the surprising facts about Peter Tosh offers a deeper understanding of his artistry and the legacy he left behind.

Q: Where was Peter Tosh born?

A: Peter Tosh was born in Grange Hill, Jamaica.

Q: What was Peter Tosh’s real name?

A: Peter Tosh’s real name was Winston Hubert McIntosh .

Q: Did Peter Tosh play any musical instruments?

A: Yes , Peter Tosh was skilled in playing various instruments including guitar, keyboards, and percussion.

Q: Did Peter Tosh have a solo career?

A: Yes, after leaving The Wailers, Peter Tosh pursued a successful solo career with albums like “Legalize It” and “Equal Rights”.

Q: What was Peter Tosh’s contribution to the music industry?

A: Peter Tosh played a pivotal role in popularizing reggae music worldwide. His unique sound and powerful lyrics made a significant impact on the genre.

Q: Was Peter Tosh involved in activism?

A: Yes, Peter Tosh was a vocal advocate for human rights and equal justice. He used his music as a platform to raise awareness and fight against oppression.

Q: What awards did Peter Tosh receive?

A: Peter Tosh was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit, Jamaica’s third highest honor, for his contributions to music and culture.

Q: Did Peter Tosh collaborate with other artists?

A: Yes, Peter Tosh collaborated with various musicians including Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones and Keith Richards.

Q: Was Peter Tosh ever arrested for his activism?

A: Yes, Peter Tosh was arrested multiple times for his political views and activism, which oftentimes included advocating for the legalization of marijuana .

Q: How did Peter Tosh pass away?

A: Peter Tosh tragically passed away on September 11 , 1987, as a result of a home invasion that turned violent.

Q: What is Peter Tosh’s legacy?

A: Peter Tosh’s legacy is one of musical brilliance, activism, and fearlessness. His music continues to inspire generations and his advocacy for social justice remains influential.

Q: Where can I listen to Peter Tosh’s music?

A: Peter Tosh’s music is available on various music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

Peter Tosh's incredible legacy continues to inspire reggae enthusiasts and music lovers across the globe. His rebellious spirit, undeniable talent, and unwavering commitment to social justice have left an indelible mark on the world of music. As you've discovered these surprising facts about Peter Tosh, why not explore the fascinating life of another reggae legend, Bunny Wailer ? From his early days with The Wailers to his solo career and spiritual journey, Bunny Wailer 's story is one that will captivate and inspire you.

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First all-Aboriginal reggae band talks the ‘toughness’ of Peter Tosh

No fixed address still on the journey 45 years later.

Musician Bart Willoughby speaks eloquently about the “powerfulness of truth” and the fact that “truth doesn’t tell lies”. A member of the original people who inhabited Australia, he also speaks with a quiet passion about racism, being a part of the ‘Stolen Generation’, reggae music, Bob Marley, the “toughness” of Peter Tosh, and survival.

Willoughby is a founding member of No Fixed Address, the first all-Aboriginal reggae-rock band to emerge out of Australia and its most influential. A quick history of the band shows that it was “formed in 1979, split in 1984, with several brief reformations or guest appearances in 1987–1988 and 2008, before reuniting in 2016 and continuing to perform into 2024”.

Willoughby and his band members were in the UK last month for a gig - in celebration of their first performance in England 40 years ago - and they also performed for free at the Jamaica Independence celebrations 0121 Festival in Victoria Square, Birmingham. The proud, First Nations troubadour, who plays the drums and is also the lead vocalist of No Fixed Address, has a lot of stories, some amusing but many simply poignant.

“When I was two and a half years old, the cops came and took me and my brother from my mother’s arms and I went to the baby home first and later to the correction boys’ home. It was a prison. Music was my salvation. The history of the First Nation and Captain Cook is one of mass killings in Victoria … burning bodies so that there is no evidence. But the evidence is in their characters … and they wake up to the nightmare wreaked by their forefathers,” the outspoken Willoughby said as he reflected on “the harshness of Australian society on the Aboriginal people”.

Between 1910 and 1970, the British Government introduced policies of assimilation, which “led to between 10 and 33 per cent of Aboriginal Australian children being forcibly removed from their homes”. Referred in history as the ‘Stolen Generations’, these children were placed with adoptive families and in institutions and banned from speaking their native languages.

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Upon leaving the home, Willoughby attended the South Australian Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music at the University of Adelaide where he was introduced to reggae music, which he didn’t understand until he experienced an epiphany.

“I was into heavy metal. I didn’t understand reggae. One day, my music teacher said we got tickets for The Harder They Come . They didn’t tell me that Bob Marley would be there. I zoomed into what the percussion [was] doing … my whole life was changed right then and there. With reggae ... I had never heard music played that fast ... I was blown away by how much energy you can give by not doing too much. Once you’ve got reggae, you’ve got the full horizon,” the pioneering Aboriginal reggae artiste and activist told The Sunday Gleaner .

Playing reggae music since the 1980s, Willoughby has a zest for the music that is captivating. He reminisced briefly on playing with Peter Tosh when the reggae icon toured Australia in 1982.

“Peter Tosh tour … that was amazing. Peter Tosh was one of the best. He reminded me of some of the kids I grew up with at the boys’ home … he had that toughness. The boys’ home was tough and, if you survive … you are one of the lucky ones … like me. I could identify that toughness,” Willoughby explained.

He added. “I got to talk to Peter Tosh and Santa Davis for about six hours. Music makes you fall in love and that’s what happened to Peter Tosh, he fell in love with music. When we played music, we felt the love and the imagination of that love,”

No Fixed Address made history as the first Aboriginal band to sign with a major label, when, in 1982, the band inked a deal with Rough Diamond Records, a subsidiary of Polygram Records, and released their début mini-album From My Eyes . Following the successful Peter Tosh tour, they scored another first - the first Aboriginal band to travel overseas, touring Great Britain.

The band is happy to be trailblazers, giving a voice to the voiceless and giving birth to other Indigenous bands whose messages mirror theirs - speaking out against genocide, racism, and police harassment - and for those who all count themselves as survivors.

“ We have survived the white man’s world, and the horror and the torment of it all ,” Willoughby sings on We Have Survived , which is considered an Aboriginal anthem and an “anthem of cultural persistence”. It appears in the movie Wrong Side of the Road , which features No Fixed Address. In 2008, We Have Survived , which Willoughby wrote at 18, was added to the National Film and Sound Archive’s Sounds of Australia registry.

“Maybe I was like Peter Tosh. I was brought up hard … and so … you do the Peter Tosh thing - you tell the truth. When the Rastas say ‘Jah Rastafari ever living, ever faithful, ever sure’, that’s the toughest words I have ever heard,” Willoughby said.

The original members of No Fixed Address were Bart Willoughby, Les Graham (aka Leslie Lovegrove), Ricky Harrison, John Miller, and Veronica Rankine. As of 2024, the members are Willoughby, Harrison, Tjimba Possum Burns, and Sean Moffat. The band was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the inaugural National Indigenous Music Awards, as well as the SA Music Hall of Fame, and have had a laneway in Adelaide CBD named in their honour.

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A Diamond Celebration For Peter Tosh

On the occasion of Peter Tosh’s diamond birthday celebration, broadcaster and music historian Mutabaruka made the observation that although the members of the Wailers – Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley – went their separate ways, “we memba the Wailers as one of them trinity deh dat become singular”. Muta was given the honour of creating the pre-showtime mood as family, fans and friends joined in the celebration at the Pulse Centre on Trafalgar Road. Wearing his selector cape, Muta easily segued from Tosh’s catalogue to recorded interviews which brought Tosh to life.

It was a night on which musical tributes were paid specifically to the revered Bush Doctor and unapologetic ganja advocate, Peter Tosh, but it was inescapable that the Wailers trio would also get their shine. And the spotlight was both musical and personal.

Andrew, son of Peter, whose performance was so nice that he had to appear thrice, dug deep into his father’s catalogue and reproduced as only the chip that doesn’t fall far from the block can. But, as great as that was, that singular Wailer moment came when the son of Bob, Ky-Mani, joined on stage the son of Peter, who also happens to be the nephew of Bunny Wailer, and together they performed a classic from the Wailers’ 1973 album  Burnin’ , significantly the last album recorded by the original Wailers line-up.

WAILERS REBIRTH

Purposefully, they had chosen  Get Up Stand Up , and the equal rights anthem reverberated in the venue, as swirls of ganja smoke danced to the beat. “This is a Wailers rebirth,” the sons of the deceased reggae icons stated, and Marley sibling, Cedella, who was backstage vibing with her son, Skip, and a number of other family members and friends, spoke for the entire crowd when she told  The Gleaner , “I’m loving every minute of it.” Cedella was one of this year’s recipients of the Peter Tosh Award.

For Ky-Mani, it was “absolutely amazing”. In a quick interview with  The Gleaner , he pointed out that this wasn’t the first time he and Andrew were performing together, as they had shared many stages over the years, even touring together in South America. He noted however, that, “This is a special vibe because of the shared legacy,” he said. “To be able to share the stage with Andrew is always a beautiful moment.”

Making their contribution to the tribute concert in a huge way were a mix of veteran and newly established acts. Exuding a distinct Peter Tosh aura, reggae singer Samory-I made an impression with songs such as  Jah Is In Control ,  African Daughter  and  Rasta A Nuh Gangsta . He paused to pay tribute to Tosh, noting that the reggae singer has been his inspiration. The “shubba shubba” singer, Warrior King, who is not seen much on the local stage these days, gave an energetic performance, which the audience loved. Warrior King promised that in 2020, his fans in Jamaica will be seeing more of him.

Declaring that “me, Peter, Bob and Bunny go a long way back”, veteran reggae singer, Ken Boothe, showed exactly why he was chosen for this line-up. His classics  Train Is Coming ,  Freedom Street  and  Journey  were on point. The man from August Town, Duane Stephenson, gave fans selections from his own catalogue, after which he chose his favourite Peter Tosh song,  Glass House , to thrill fans.

Prior to Richie Spice’s performance, acclaimed tour manager, Copeland Forbes, briefly claimed the stage, welcoming “the royal family of reggae, the Marleys, and inviting Peter Tosh’s family on stage to introduce them to the audience. Richie Spice took fans down memory lane with his hits  Earth A Run Red ,  Grooving My Girl  and  Ghetto Girl . He was called on for an encore.

Andrew Tosh took the stage for a third time and paid tribute to his father with  African ,  Walk and Don’t Look Back  (with Charmaine Limonius),  Johnny B Goode ,  Rastafari Is  and  Dem Want I .

Bushman, whose performance was highly anticipated, was a no-show.

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http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20191024/diamond-celebration-peter-tosh

POSTED ON: October 24th, 2019

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The Wailers' journey: Bob Marley, reggae, and global impact

O riginally called "The Teenagers," Bob Marley & The Wailers was a Jamaican reggae band formed by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer ( Neville “Bunny” Livingston) in 1963. The Wailers achieved international fame and acclaim for popularizing reggae music, which had its roots in ska and rocksteady (the ter, itself originated with the Toots and the Maytal's song "Do the Reggay").

As many of you probably know, Bob Marley (born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, Jamaica), became the face of reggae and a global cultural icon. Though it's tempting to give Marley oversized credit, The Wailers band undeniably contributed greatly to the musical form (in fact, Marley's first single, “Judge Not,” was technically more ska than reggae, and featured Marley at the age of 16 — Marley's band no doubt played a major role in developing his sound, and reggae overall).

Bob Marley & The Wailers' socially and politically charged lyrics often focused on themes such as love, peace, and resistance against oppression. Some of their most famous songs include "No Woman, No Cry," "Redemption Song," "Buffalo Soldier," and "Three Little Birds." Perhaps the ultimate testament to their musical impact is Marley's surviving an assassination attempt, which is often considered political in mature, as opposed to some random, crazed fan. In fact, after the attempt on his life, Marley explained why he decided to perform at the now-iconic Smile Jamaica Concert: “The people who are trying to make this world worse aren’t taking a day off. How can I?”

Bob Marley & The Wailers lineup and key albums

The classic lineup of Bob Marley & The Wailers included Marley, Tosh, and Wailer, along with Aston "Family Man" Barrett on bass, Carlton Barrett on drums, Earl "Wire" Lindo on keyboards, and Al Anderson on lead guitar. The group released The Wailing Wailers in 1965, but it wasn't until the 1970s that they gained international recognition. One of their breakthrough albums was Catch a Fire (1973), followed by Burnin' (1973), which featured the hit I Shot the Sheriff (soon popularized further by Eric Clapton). Despite the success, in 1974, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer left the band to pursue solo careers, but Marley continued with new members.

Exodus: The most acclaimed Bob Marley & The Wailers album

Bob Marley's most acclaimed album, Exodus (1977), featured tracks like "Jamming" and "One Love/People Get Ready." Frankly, Marley produced so many reggae hits that it seemed impossible for him to fail, and it is tricky to speak more about The Wailers. Exodus became a landmark in the history of reggae music and is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. Bob Marley & The Wailers were not only influential in the music world but also played a significant role in spreading Rastafarian culture and messages of love and unity. Bob Marley passed away on May 11, 1981, but his legacy continues through his timeless music (which is still on the charts ) and the impact he had on global culture, which is every bit as compelling as the impact of Bob Dylan or The Beatles.

Stray facts

• The Wailers were technically not alone in transitioning from ska into reggae. The Heptones were around at roughly the same time as The Wailers.
• Island Records were no doubt helped greatly by Bob Marley and the Wailers, as they became a powerhouse of a record label from backing such successful artists.
• The album Survival (1979) explicitly endorses Pan-Africanism, solidifying Marley as a musical figure with definable political goals.
• Uprising (1980) was the final Bob Marley and the Wailers album released during Marley's lifetime, though The Walers continued without Marley after 1981.

More music news and analysis

This article was originally published on audiophix.com as The Wailers' journey: Bob Marley, reggae, and global impact .