Born on February 6th 1945 in Nine Miles, St Ann;

To parents, Norval a white Jamaican, and Cedella a black woman;

Bob’s mixed heritage represented Jamaica’s Motto

 “Out of many, one people”

Tuff Gong, as he became known in later years;

A name he acquired due to his physical strength,

Back in those days Bob always had to defend himself,

T o ward off attacks due to his mixed heritage.

 Bob Marley, as he was known to us;

A song writer, singer and guitarist,

A legend in his time, he traveled far and wide;

He promoted the reggae music worldwide.

A music icon, the late Bob had become;

A true ambassador of reggae music,

His fan base grew at home and abroad,

His music told a story of what life was all about.

Some of his best known songs tell it all,

“Redemption Song” “No Woman No Cry” “Exodus”

“I Shot the Sheriff” “Get up Stand Up” and “One Love”

His songs highlighted the struggles of the common man worldwide.

Sporting his dreadlocks, a Rastafarian at heart;

Another aspect of his life, he became famous for,

This culture caught on, as he toured the world,

Dreadlocks became the “in thing” worldwide.

Bob suffered in his final days;

Stricken by cancer, his days became numbered,

He tried to make it back home to face the end;

But he never made it back alive to our shores.

God saw he had accomplished much,

Young though he was, he lived a full life,

On May 11TH 1981, God stepped in and ended his suffering,

 Bob was called home to eternal rest.

Bob earned several awards for his work;

“The Order of Merit”, Jamaica’s third highest honor,

“Grammy Lifetime Achievement” awarded posthumously.

                The list of honors was extensive,

He paved the way for his children, and other native sons.

His music continues to inspire long after he is gone;

His family and others are keeping the reggae beat strong,

The Reggae Music will live on and on.

 It’s a fitting tribute to the Late Bob Marley,

  one of Jamaica’s most eloquent sons.