When Bob Marley died in 1981 at the age of 36, the music industry lost a legendary performer, but the human race lost much, much more. Bob Marley was a powerful voice for freedom, human rights, racial equality and spirituality.
Officially, Marley died from malignant melanoma, an extremely dangerous form of cancer that began on his toe and eventually spread throughout his body. The cancer was discovered after Bob injured his foot playing soccer in 1977 and his doctor strongly recommended amputation.
The simple truth is that Bob Marley was a deeply religious man who strictly adhered to the teachings of his Rastafarian faith. He believed the words of Leviticus 21:5 - "They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in the flesh." This passage explains both the commandment to wear dreadlocks and the ban on amputation, instructions that Marley faithfully obeyed.
By 1980, Marley's cancer had metastasized and his health began to rapidly decline. He collapsed while jogging in New York City the day after a concert and he gave his final live performance in September of 1980 in Pittsburgh. A recording of that amazing show was released in February of 2011 as Bob Marley and the Wailers Live Forever.
During the few months he had left to him, Bob Marley sought treatment from several specialists. On his way home to Jamaica from Germany in 1981, he became so seriously ill that his flight was diverted to Miami. There he was admitted Cedars Medical Center for emergency care.
While Bob Marley was in Ceders Medical, a dietitian named Rona Steinberg was sent in to find out what he might be able to eat. She was so impressed with their brief encounter that she recalls it clearly to this day.
In her own words, she describes meeting the legendary musician:
"There was a buzz about Bob Marley being in the hospital and they wanted someone to go in to find out what he can possibly eat... He was lying in bed and he was surrounded by all his bodyguards and some relatives. I basically really spoke to them and of course looked over at him and he looked at me. You know I think he was just very, very weak and glanced at me. Maybe tried to give me a little expression, smile, whatever. And we came down to what he could really tolerate, just you know something soft. What did he like. They told me anything chocolate. I said ëHow about some chocolate pudding?' "
Rona Steinberg remembers the gentle man who gave the world all he had to give:
"He was a nice man. I felt like a gentle energy from him. Even though of course he was sick and weak. But thatís the only way I can really express it. I do remember the image of him lying in his bed. He had gotten very, very thin. But he had all this hair. These Rastafarian long locks. And it was a little bit sad, because he had so much energy and he was so cool and being up on stage and dancing around. You know and then here he was. He died very young. But I guess he did a lot in his short life. He really made quite an impression. I guess God allowed him to do that in his short life, and I guess it was time for him to move on."
Rastaman Bob Marley died on May 11, 1981 after telling his son Ziggy, "Money can't buy life." In the span of his three and one half decades, he touched millions of souls with his music and his spirit. He may be gone from our sight, but he will live forever through his incredible talent and his loving heart.
Redemption Song
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;None but ourselves can free our mind.
Wo! Have no fear for atomic energy,
'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time.
How long shall they kill our prophets,
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it's just a part of it:
We've got to fullfil the book.
Won't you have to sing
This songs of freedom? -
'Cause all I ever had:
Redemption songs -
All I ever had:
Redemption songs:
These songs of freedom,
Songs of freedom.
Songwriters: Edwin Hawkins and Bob Marley
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