In the music world, some stars shine brighter than others. On 11 May 1981, the world mourned the untimely death of one of its brightest lights, Bob Marley. At the age of 36, Marley lost his battle with a type of malignant melanoma, leaving behind a legacy that would transcend generations.
Bob Marley, known for his reggae music and messages of love and unity, had been living with acral lentiginous melanoma for 22 months before his passing. It all started back in 1978 when Marley noticed a dark spot under his toenail, initially attributing it to a soccer injury. However, further investigation revealed a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer.
Doctors recommended a toe amputation as a treatment option, but Marley, a devout Rastafarian, declined due to his religious beliefs, which consider the removal of any part of the body to be a sin. Instead, he opted for alternative treatments and underwent excision surgery, a procedure that involves removing a larger area of healthy skin and tissue surrounding the melanoma.
Unfortunately, the surgery was not successful in halting the progression of Marley’s cancer. By 1980, the disease had metastasized to his brain, lungs, and liver. During his final tour, Marley collapsed while out for a jog in Central Park, leading him to cancel the remaining tour dates.
Determined to find a cure, Marley pursued a diet-based cancer treatment under Josef Issels in Germany. However, despite his efforts, his symptoms worsened during his journey back to Jamaica. He was forced to make an emergency stop in Miami and seek medical care at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital.
In the midst of his battle, Marley had one last conversation with his son Ziggy. Ziggy Marley shared his father’s final words in an emotional Instagram post: “The last thing my father told me was: ‘On your way up, take me up. On your way down, don’t let me down.’ It put a tremendous responsibility on my shoulders.”
A State Funeral
After Marley’s passing, Jamaica paid tribute to its legendary son with a state funeral. His body was flown from Miami to Kingston, where a mausoleum was constructed for his final resting place. Prime Minister Edward Seaga delivered a heartfelt eulogy, and fans were given the opportunity to pay their respects.
Even after his death, Bob Marley’s impact on music and society continues to resonate. His messages of love, unity, and social justice remain as relevant today as they were during his lifetime. Songs like “Redemption Song,” “One Love,” and “No Woman, No Cry” have become anthems for generations, inspiring millions around the world.
On 21 May 1981, Bob Marley was laid to rest in his hometown of Nine Mile. Although his physical presence may be gone, his music and the spirit he embodied live on. Bob Marley’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and create positive change in the world.