Complete List Of Bob Marley Songs From A to Z

Feature Photo: Eddie Mallin, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Bob Marley grew up in the rural community of Nine Mile in Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica, before moving to the Trenchtown neighborhood of Kingston, where the foundation of his musical identity took shape. His earliest forays into the music scene began in the early 1960s when he formed The Wailers with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Initially influenced by American R&B and ska, the group began recording at Studio One under producer Coxsone Dodd. Their early hits like “Simmer Down” and “Rude Boy” introduced them to Jamaican audiences and positioned them as voices of the youth during a time of cultural and political change on the island.

The Wailers evolved musically through the late 1960s and early 1970s, embracing the reggae sound that would become synonymous with their name. Marley’s songwriting matured into a powerful blend of social commentary, Rastafarian spirituality, and universal themes of struggle and unity. After briefly working with producer Lee “Scratch” Perry, Marley signed a pivotal contract with Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. This led to the international release of Catch a Fire in 1973, which presented reggae to a global rock audience with a polished studio sound. The album marked the beginning of Marley’s ascent on the world stage, followed by Burnin’ later that same year, which featured “Get Up, Stand Up” and “I Shot the Sheriff”—the latter famously covered by Eric Clapton.

After Tosh and Bunny Wailer departed to pursue solo careers, Marley rebranded the group as Bob Marley and the Wailers. He retained the Wailers band and introduced the I Threes, a trio of female backing vocalists that included his wife Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffiths. This lineup produced a run of landmark albums beginning with Natty Dread (1974), which included the anthemic “No Woman, No Cry.” In 1976, Rastaman Vibration broke into the Top 10 of the Billboard 200, powered by tracks like “War,” which set Haile Selassie’s speech to music, and “Crazy Baldhead.”

Marley’s political influence surged in Jamaica during this period, culminating in the infamous 1976 assassination attempt at his home just days before the Smile Jamaica concert. Although wounded, Marley performed as scheduled with his arm in a sling, solidifying his status as a unifying figure in a politically divided country. He relocated to London shortly afterward, where he recorded Exodus in 1977. That album became a turning point in his career, containing classics such as “Jamming,” “Waiting in Vain,” “Three Little Birds,” and the title track. Exodus remained on the UK charts for 56 consecutive weeks and was later named Album of the Century by Time magazine.

The international impact of Marley’s music grew with Kaya (1978), a softer, more romantic album featuring “Is This Love” and “Satisfy My Soul.” In 1979, Survival returned to themes of African unity and resistance, with tracks like “Africa Unite” and “Zimbabwe.” Marley’s final studio album, Uprising (1980), included “Could You Be Loved” and “Redemption Song,” the latter a stripped-down acoustic anthem reflecting his increasing awareness of mortality amid his battle with cancer. That same year, he performed at Zimbabwe’s independence celebration and embarked on the Uprising Tour, concluding with a final performance in Pittsburgh on September 23, 1980.

Bob Marley released a total of 13 studio albums during his lifetime, including his early work with The Wailers and later solo projects. His compilation album Legend, released posthumously in 1984, became the best-selling reggae album of all time, with over 25 million copies sold globally. His signature songs—“One Love,” “Buffalo Soldier,” “Stir It Up,” and “No Woman, No Cry”—remain staples across generations, transcending language and culture with their messages of peace, justice, and love.

Awards and honors followed both in life and after death. Marley was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001. His influence has been recognized by the United Nations and cultural institutions around the world, including a commemorative star in Ethiopia and statues in Kingston and London. His legacy was further cemented with the establishment of the Bob Marley Museum in his former Kingston home.

Marley’s impact extended far beyond music. He was a symbol of resistance, hope, and dignity for oppressed people worldwide. He used his platform to promote Pan-Africanism, Rastafarian beliefs, and human rights, often putting himself in harm’s way to advocate for peace. He donated generously to schools and hospitals in Jamaica and supported various humanitarian causes throughout Africa and the Caribbean.

Despite being diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma in 1977, Marley continued to perform and tour, spreading his message to as many people as possible. He passed away on May 11, 1981, in Miami, Florida, at the age of 36. His funeral in Jamaica was a national event attended by Prime Minister Edward Seaga and thousands of mourners. He was laid to rest in Nine Mile with his guitar, football, and a stalk of ganja—symbols of the life he lived and the messages he carried.

Bob Marley’s influence has only grown since his death. His music is used in classrooms, protests, and celebrations, continuing to inspire new generations of artists and activists. His children, including Ziggy, Damian, Stephen, and Julian Marley, have carried on the musical legacy, contributing to reggae’s evolution while honoring their father’s vision. His lyrics are quoted by world leaders, his songs featured in countless films, and his face remains one of the most recognized images in global culture.

To understand Bob Marley is to understand more than just reggae. It is to grasp how music can become a weapon of resistance, a balm for the oppressed, and a bridge between people. His voice still echoes around the world—reminding us to stand up, unite, and never give up the fight.