Overview

In this revealing and poignant account of the life of her son, reggae icon Bob Marley (1945–1980), Mother Cedella Marley Booker traces the unique history of Bob Marley and his contribution to popular music as only a parent could. Booker recalls her poor rural upbringing in the district of Nine Miles in Jamaica, her parents’ relationship, and her courtship with Captain Marley, the white man forty years her senior who turned up one day in her father’s fields and took Cedella to his bed when she was just sixteen. Their child was Bob Marley, who would introduce the world to reggae, and whose talent would later transform the course of popular music with such classics as “Get Up, Stand Up,” “Buffalo Soldier,” “No Woman, No Cry,” Stir It Up,” and “One Love.” With admirable candor, Booker shares her struggles in raising Bob on her family’s farm in St. Ann’s and the crime-riddled streets of Kingston, and her courageous move to start a new life in the United States. Bob stayed behind in Jamaica to perfect his music, though the two remained close as he began his transformation into reggae superstar and cultural prophet. Booker details Marley’s embrace of Rastafarianism, the women in his life, his use of ganja, and his last months when Cedella nursed him until he succumbed to cancer. This book is a true look at Marley’s life—not just as a cultural icon, but as a son.

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9781630760779

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Lots has been said, sung, and written about music icon Bob Marley. But perhaps the most definitive account of the famed reggae star's life comes from the woman who knew him best: his mother. -- Adam Graham * News Journal * This poignant memoir offers readers one of the most revealing portraits of Bob Marley ever published. -- Anthony Winker * Blackmen * A sentimental biography of the reggae superstar. * Booklist * There are many books about Marley. But none communicate with the level of intimacy, sentiment and understanding that this book is able to attain. Told by Marley's mother, Cedella Marley Booker, it's a tale of triumph and tragedy, told through a parent's loving eyes. Cedella was just 16, when she gave birth. The father, Captain Marley, was a white man in his 50s. Bob barely knew him. Despite this and the Jamaican environment of poverty, Bob found positive paths. All he received from his father were two copper pennies and the first name Nesta, which means Messenger. But he inherited his mother's spirituality and indomitability. His charismatic nature was evident even in childhood. And by his teens, his gift for music shone forth. Cedella delivers a full portrait of her son, including the Rastafarianism, the ganja, the array of women, the global reggae superstardom, the social impact. She reveals the light that poured through him and his music, and, ultimately, the cancer that extinguished it far too early. She nursed him through those final, painful months. He died in 1981, at age 36. But his music - classic songs like Get Up, Stand Up, Buffalo Soldier, No Woman, No Cry, Stir It Up, and One Love - continue to uplift the world. And his devoted mother has given us a deeper knowledge of this extraordinary man. * Pop Culture Classics * Bob Marley is among those rare few artists whose music has transcended time and place, remaining influential, timeless, and vital. Yet, to his mother Cedella and his siblings, he was `Nesta,' her eldest son, a troubled youth who found his own voice through music. This is their story-a fascinating, insightful, and moving account that only a mother could tell. -- John Einarson, author of Neil Young: Don't Be Denied, and For What It's Worth: The Story of Buffalo Springfield

Lots has been said, sung, and written about music icon Bob Marley. But perhaps the most definitive account of the famed reggae star's life comes from the woman who knew him best: his mother. -- Adam Graham News Journal This poignant memoir offers readers one of the most revealing portraits of Bob Marley ever published. -- Anthony Winker Blackmen A sentimental biography of the reggae superstar. Booklist There are many books about Marley. But none communicate with the level of intimacy, sentiment and understanding that this book is able to attain. Told by Marley's mother, Cedella Marley Booker, it's a tale of triumph and tragedy, told through a parent's loving eyes. Cedella was just 16, when she gave birth. The father, Captain Marley, was a white man in his 50s. Bob barely knew him. Despite this and the Jamaican environment of poverty, Bob found positive paths. All he received from his father were two copper pennies and the first name Nesta, which means Messenger. But he inherited his mother's spirituality and indomitability. His charismatic nature was evident even in childhood. And by his teens, his gift for music shone forth. Cedella delivers a full portrait of her son, including the Rastafarianism, the ganja, the array of women, the global reggae superstardom, the social impact. She reveals the light that poured through him and his music, and, ultimately, the cancer that extinguished it far too early. She nursed him through those final, painful months. He died in 1981, at age 36. But his music - classic songs like Get Up, Stand Up, Buffalo Soldier, No Woman, No Cry, Stir It Up, and One Love - continue to uplift the world. And his devoted mother has given us a deeper knowledge of this extraordinary man. Pop Culture Classics Bob Marley is among those rare few artists whose music has transcended time and place, remaining influential, timeless, and vital. Yet, to his mother Cedella and his siblings, he was 'Nesta,' her eldest son, a troubled youth who found his own voice through music. This is their story-a fascinating, insightful, and moving account that only a mother could tell. -- John Einarson, author of Neil Young: Don't Be Denied, and For What It's Worth: The Story of Buffalo Springfield

Lots has been said, sung, and written about music icon Bob Marley. But perhaps the most definitive account of the famed reggae stars life comes from the woman who knew him best: His mother. -- Adam Graham News Journal This poignant memoir offers readers one of the most revealing portraits of Bob Marley ever published. -- Anthony Winker Blackmen A sentimental biography of the reggae superstar. Booklist Bob Marley is among those rare few artists whose music has transcended time and place, remaining influential, timeless, and vital. Yet, to his mother Cedella and his siblings, he was 'Nesta,' her eldest son, a troubled youth who found his own voice through music. This is their story-a fascinating, insightful, and moving account that only a mother could tell. -- John Einarson, author of Neil Young: Don't Be Denied, and For What It's Worth: The Story of Buffalo Springfield

Lots has been said, sung, and written about music icon Bob Marley. But perhaps the most definitive account of the famed reggae stars life comes from the woman who knew him best: His mother. -- Adam Graham News Journal This poignant memoir offers readers one of the most revealing portraits of Bob Marley ever published. -- Anthony Winker Blackmen A sentimental biography of the reggae superstar. Booklist

Author Information

Cedella Marley Booker was an established performer and composer whose albums included Redemption Songs and Smilin’ Island of Song. She died in 2008. Jamaican novelist Anthony C. Winkler, author of The Great Yacht Race and The Lunatic, lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

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