When deciding what to name the new House of Marley home audio system, which is now available to fans in select countries, we had a relatively short list of song candidates. “Get Up Stand Up” quickly topped that list. Written by Bob Marley and his Wailer bandmate Peter Tosh, “Get Up Stand Up” is known as one of Marley’s signature songs and appeared on the 1973 record, Burnin’. The cultural relevance of the song runs deep and has persevered as one of the most popular Bob Marley covers by new artists.
From hip-hop and reggae to classic rockers and major pop stars, it’s no surprise that Bob Marley covers show up in all shapes and sizes. Often utilized as a mantra for protest, “Get Up Stand Up” has been proclaimed in songs by Guru, Common and Public Enemy. In the classic mid-90s hip-hop track, “Jayou,” Jurassic 5 don’t exactly perform a traditional Bob Marley cover, but rather sample the melody via a recurring woodwind loop.
Elsewhere, there are more traditional Bob Marley covers of “Get Up Stand Up” throughout the past four decades. The Rolling Stones, who formed as an R&B band, later took a reggae turn in the late ‘70s when Marley’s popularity soared. On their Bigger Bang tour in 2005, The Stones paid homage to their hero with a spot-on cover of “Get Up Stand Up.” The recent queen of Bob Marley covers, Rihanna, has also chalked up a new version of the 1973 classic on a recent mixtape.
Listening to “Get Up Stand Up” isn’t just like listening to any other song. It’s an experience. The Marley sound will have you up and out of your seat and when pumped through the House of Marley’s Get Up Stand Up home audio system, it will have you ready for a revolution. Check out these Bob Marley covers we’ve collected below on your brand new Get Up Stand Up and prepare for a funky reggae party.
