Bob Marley: One Love.

With the biographical tale of Bob Marley's life out in cinemas, the music of the Wailers is getting a lot of play. We heard "Three Little Birds" played at half time at Selhurst Park and then a bastardised version chanted for 45 minutes! I have long been a fan of the Wailers, but not just the works of the Bob Marley led group, also the solo careers of Pete Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Beyond that the influence grew through later members and contributors such as Aston "Family man" Barrett, his brother Carlton and producing duo Sly and Robbie.

Marley, of course, had many children and a fair few of them continued the magic. Ziggy Marley led a group of 3 of his siblings, Damian Marley had massive commercial success. Stephen, Julian and Ky-Mani also had some global hits. Rohan is probably best known as husband of Lauryn Hill and father to up and coming star YG Marley. Another Bob grandchild, Skip Marley, is a Grammy nominated artist!


The Wailers are very comparable to the Beatles in many aspects, from the worldwide hits, the solo careers, the second generations and the tragedies (Tosh and Carlton Barrett both shot dead in the 80s). Plus they both became Politically important to an extent with their social consciousness work.

Natty Dread is probably my favourite Wailers album. Them Belly Full, 3 o'clock Roadblock, Talkin Blues and Bend Down Low all great tracks alongside the more famous No Woman, No Cry, Lively Up Yourself and the title track make this a standout in a discography of quality albums. Catch a Fire and Exodus are also up there - although Legend is a good starting point for anyone new to the Wailers.

The Wailers are up there in my top 5 most listened to groups (with Parliament/Funkadelic, Wu Tang Clan, The Dubliners and Dungeon Family (OutKast/Goodie Mob etc) ) and I am glad attention has returned to the musical genius of Bob, Pete and Bunny.

One Love.