While talking to a coworker of mine last Friday, we both concluded that Bob Marley is one of the few pop artists who fits into that unique category of being universally loved. I'm not sure is there has ever been a performer who is as much loved by the critics as he is love by popular culture.Even many years after his death, you can still hear many of Bob Marley's hits being played on a consistent basis on the radio and television. Corporation use his message to get us to buy things and political candidates use his songs to ensure us that they are not like the rest of them. But beyond all of these soundbites and stereotypes that pop culture enforced upon this man's legacy, Bob Marley will continue to be a universally loved musician for his simple, yet powerful message. Sure it may be a message that often gets distorted or even marginalized, but it is hard to argue that this man from the little island of Jamaica has not changed the way many people view the world and popular music.
I am always reluctant to associate the word "icon" with a performer, because that is a word that is associated with someone far after their best work is behind them. Furthermore, great artists never ventures out to become an icon; they simple do what they are so good at and watch while the masses flock to them.
After all these years, I don't believe that Bob Marley would be happy with what pop culture has turned him into. Instead of becoming the voice against injustice and imperialism, we have bought and sold him into a jukebox for dance floors and car commercials. yet, by looking beyond all of this and seeing his music for what it is, it is important to celebrate his amazing voice and the powerful message that it brings.
EDJ
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