Bob Marley didn’t just land on the planet one day like some sort of musical superhero. Most people know he was born in Jamaica, but what else do you know about the Marley family tree? In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re taking a deeper look at the strong and independent women who carry on Bob’s vision.
Rita Marley
Remember the “three little birds” from Bob’s song? He was actually talking about the I-Threes, The Wailers background singers, which featured his wife Rita Marley. Marrying Marley in 1966, Rita was Bob’s wife until his passing and became mother to six of his children. Continuing her husband’s charitable efforts, she has given help to children all over the world through the Robert Marley Foundation and the Rita Marley Foundation.
Cedella Booker Marley
Known as the “Keeper of the Flame” and matriarch of the Marley family tree, Cedella Booker gave birth to Robert Nesta Marley at the age of 18. A singer herself, she took care of Bob by herself after his father passed away when he was only ten-years-old. As the historian of Bob’s life and author of two biographies, Cedella spent most of her life raising her son’s family and keeping his spirit alive.
The Marley Daughters
During his life, Bob Marley had four daughters that would follow on his path of creating art in many different mediums. Through music, fashion and museum work, Sharon, Cedella, Karen and Stephanie all made significant contributions to the Marley family legacy. Banding together with their brothers Ziggy and Steven, Sharon and Cedella toured together as singers in the Melody Makers.
The women of the Marley family have been able to do some amazing things throughout their lives while still keeping Bob’s legacy alive and intact. Just like the Marleys, mothers all over the world are capable of doing incredible things. We honor and thank them for all of the contributions they’ve made to our lives.
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