Description
Book SynopsisBob Marley was the first superstar to emerge from the Third World. Although he lived a short life, only 36 years, Marley penned an enormous quantity of songs, pioneering a new reggae rhythm and sound that was distinctly Jamaican. This book gives an inside look at the man behind the legend.
Trade ReviewWriting to be accessible to a high school audience, Moskowitz (musicology, U. of South Dakota) profiles the life of Jamaican reggae legend Robert Nesta Marley (1945-1981). The biography traces Marley's life from birth through death, concentrating almost exclusively on celebrating his musical achievements over the course of his career, but not entirely ignoring the importance of Marley's Rastafarianism or his political engagements with the likes of former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley. Also included in the volume are brief profiles of Marley's family, many of who also became prominent in the musical world. * SciTech Book News *
[This book serves its] target audiences effectively. I would also recommend [this volume] to new devotees of Marley and his music. . . .
Bob Marley: A Biography does an excellent job navigating this biographical minefield. At the conclusion of the book, Moskowitz discusses Marley's musical legacy, legal controversies, and provides short, but illuminating, minibiographies on Marley's large family (Rita Marley and twelve children). . . the book's accessible writing style, organizational structure, colorful examples, and the author's own passion about the subject will certainly keep the young reader's interest. At the same time, Moskowitz should be commended for avoiding the trap of glorifying or sensationalizing reggae's best-known artist. * Caribbean Studies *
