Bob Marley was never seen. He was an experience which left an indelible imprint with each encounter.
Such a man cannot be erased from the mind.
He is part of the collective consciousness of the nation.
–Jamaican Prime Minister Edward Seaga in eulogy for Marley, May 21, 1981
Robert Nesta Marley (February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981) was a Jamaican singer-songwriter who became an international musical and cultural icon. With the Wailers, he created a distinctive songwriting and vocal style that blended reggae, ska and rocksteady into the mix.
As a solo artist, Marley released Exodus in 1977, which established his worldwide reputation with hit singles “Exodus,” “Waiting in Vain,” “Jamming” and “One Love.” In 1978, he released the album Kaya, which included “Is This Love” and “Satisfy My Soul.” The greatest hits album, Legend, was released in 1984, three years after Marley died from metastasized skin cancer. That album became the best-selling reggae album of all time.
Marley was a committed Rastafari who infused his music with a sense of spirituality. He is credited with popularizing reggae music around the world and served as a symbol of Jamaican culture and identity.
Autographed 1976 concert poster boasts long inscription
Our signature item in the Pop Culture auction (March 15) is a very desirable color 23.5 x 35 Island Records poster for Bob Marley and the Wailers’ 1976 North American Tour, which features a large image of Marley, various tour dates and an image of the cover for the Rastaman Vibration album.
The poster is signed along the right side in blue ballpoint, “Jah Live, Bob Marley,” who adds this Rastafarian sentiment:
Haile Selassie I. King of kings & Lord of Lords, Conquering Lion of Tribe of Judah,
Elect of God & Light of This World. Defender of the Faith:
of the Kingdom of Ethiopia.
He is the 225th Descendant of Solomonic Dynasty.
Is Jesus Christ in His Kingly Character Fulfilling the Promises or Covenant
Made by God 2,000 Years Ago
That He Shall Come Again in Like Manner (Man, with Flesh & Blood),
Act. 2. V. 29–30, Rev. 5. II Samuel. 7. Genesis Chap. 49. V. 8–12. Allah Dan.
The poster is also signed in thin black felt tip, “Don Taylor, Manager,” and in ballpoint, “Al Patterson,” “Donald Kinsey,” “Best wishes from: Tony Gilbert, Road Manager for Bob Marley & The Wailers,” “Michael Whyte, (In the Bible you Find Truth for yourself, Your God & King),” with an unknown hand adding “Dan” before his name, “Carlton Barrett, Wailers Drummer,” “Aston Family man Barrett,” and “Earl Smith, Jah Love.”
This lovely poster is rolled and in very good to fine condition, with scattered light creasing and some light staining near the edges. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from UK authentication experts Tracks.
The signatures on this poster were obtained by a cleaner at a Miami hotel when Marley & the Wailers were staying there during rehearsals prior to their show on June 1, 1976, while on their Rastaman Vibration Tour.
Signed by nine touring members of the Wailers, and elevated furthermore by Marley’s lengthy Rastafarian verse, this is a rare and highly displayable concert poster dating to the band’s most successful period.