Bob Marley: A Biography(Greenwood Biographies)

Bob Marley was the first, and possibly the only, superstar to emerge from the Third World. Although he lived a short life, only 36 years, Bob penned an enormous quantity of songs, pioneering a new reggae rhythm and sound that was distinctly Jamaican. An expert lyricist who could more than hold his own with any contemporary hip-hop word slinger, Bob crafted emotionally powerful chains of words that packed a serious punch. Twenty-five years after his death, the music of Bob Marley and the Wailers is as popular and relevant as it was the day it was released. Author David Moskowitz gives readers an inside look at the man behind the legend. Fans from all corners of the globe are a testament to the fact that his music transcends race, color, economic class, even language. From Marley's poverty stricken early childhood in rural Jamaica to break out his faith in Rastafarianism, this biography recounts the life and music of one of the most famous popular artists of the last century, an incredible story for long-time fans as well for a new and ever-increasing audience who were too young to witness Marley's history-making music career firsthand. A timeline, photos, and a rich bibliography of print and electronic sources make this biography ideal for both research purposes and casual reading.

About the Author :
David V. Moskowitz is Assistant Professor of Musicology at the University of South Dakota. He is the author of the Greenwood reference book Caribbean Popular Music: An Encyclopedia of Reggae, Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, and Dancehall.

Review :
Writing 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. [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.