- The reggae legend passed away at 36 years old
- Here are all the details of his death
- Bob Marley's legacy lives on
The world of music was forever changed when Bob Marley, the legendary reggae artist (36), breathed his last in Miami on May 11, 1981. His demise, a result of skin cancer that had spread to his lungs, liver, and brain, left a gaping hole in the hearts of his fans worldwide.
The final curtain call
Marley's health took a turn for the worse shortly after his electrifying performance at Madison Square Garden in September 1980. The diagnosis was grim - the melanoma on his toe had metastasized to his brain, liver, and lungs. Despite his deteriorating health, Marley continued to enthrall audiences with his soulful melodies, performing his last show in Pittsburgh on September 23, 1980.
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Despite eight months of treatment, Bob Marley's health did not improve. He decided to return to Jamaica, but during the flight, his condition deteriorated significantly. Upon landing in Miami, he was immediately taken to the hospital, where he sadly passed away on May 11, 1981.
Marley was honored with a state funeral in Jamaica on May 21, during which the eulogy was delivered by Prime Minister Edward Seaga. He found his final resting place in a chapel near his birthplace, accompanied by his cherished Gibson Les Paul guitar.
The conspiracy theories
In the wake of Marley's untimely death, conspiracy theories began to circulate. Some suggested that the CIA had orchestrated his demise, citing the 1976 raid on Marley's home, where he and his wife were shot days before a peace concert. The concert was organized by Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley, whose political stance was at odds with U.S. interests in Jamaica.
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Despite the controversies and conspiracy theories, Bob Marley's legacy continues to live on through his timeless music. His beautiful ballads like “Three Little Birds” and “One Love”, as well as protest songs like “Get Up, Stand Up” and “Buffalo Soldier”, continue to inspire generations of music lovers around the globe.
