Bob Marley's Biography Part 2
The Beginning of the legend
In 1964, the Wailers with two new singers, Beverly Kelso and Cherry Smith recorded "Simmer Down". Produced by Coxsone, the song stayed in the hit parade for 2 months. Coxsone and Bob hear the middle of the disc. A reputation is forged that was called "Tuff Gong" (hard as a gong), you walked on it with sensitive feet. Once he became famous, he could go anywhere in the ghetto, leaving his car with the windows down and keys in the ignition, nobody dared to touch it. At this point, the Wailers are famous but they are financially broke. Bob's mother insists that he comes to the States. He marries Rita, a little hastily on Feb. 10 1966 and leaves Jamaica for Delaware. During 8 months, it puts money aside by doing odd jobs. But on returning to his island, he learns that he has been placed on a list for Vietnam.
Lee Perry, The godfather
This is a time when things are changing quickly. The ska became rock steady. The birth of this musical era can be dated to the summer of 1966 which was so hot that it prohibited the jerky gestures associated with ska. The ganja also became as essential as electricity and running water in the studios of Kingston. Having left Coxsone, Bob began under the tutelage of Mortimer Planner. It is also a time of great fertility for the young Couple. Rita brought into the world a daughter Cedella, then a boy named David "Ziggy". Bob Marley returned to Nine Miles where he set up a home for his family. He cultivates the land, smokes ganja and composes music with a new zeal, religion has become a major influence in his life and thus his inspiration suffers. In the autumn of 1969, he forms a collaboration with producer Lee Perry that will prove beneficial for Marley and revolutionary for Reggae. Lee Perry co-wrote at the time songs with Marley and Tosh: Mr Brown, Small Axe, 400 years, Lively up Yourself. All are recorded at Randy's studio with the best musicians of the moment.
Tuff Gong
Despite their fruitful collaboration, the Wailers begin experiencing frustration in regard to Lee Perry. They feel that they do not receive what they are owed. With Alan Skill Cole, the most famous football player in Jamaica and a friend of Bob's, Marley creates the Tuff Gong. In 1971, he releases Trench Town Rock, the first title to be released under this label. This title will make Marley a national hero. The American producer Danny Sims and singer Johnny Nash attempt to launch the Wailers into the international scene. But after a tour in England and forty-five other appearances gone unnoticed (Reggae On Broadway) discouragement sets in for the troupe. At this point, thanks to a passage to London, Chris Blackwell (the founder of Island) notices Bob Marley and offers the group 8000 pounds to record an album. Thus, the first album Catch A Fire was conceived, the album launched the Wailers into the international scene. Building on the momentum of Catch A Fire, the Wailers recorded the album Burnin.
Peter Tosh, Rita & Bob Marley
Lee Perry
Pubs
On the left, Chris Blackwell & BOB
