Bob Marley: The Untold Story
by Chris Salewicz

An uplifting read, but…

The story of reggae’s only superstar has been told so often we wonder if there’s anything new left to tell. Chris Salewicz does his upmost in this most readable book, his experience and diligence mean that he draws on his own interviews with key players in the Wailers saga: Island founder Chris Blackwell, pivotal bassist Family Man, Marley family members and even the great Gong himself.

We read of Marley’s unsettled childhood, his rise from country youth through aspiring musician to an unparalleled artist working in a precise and unique musical field. We see the influence of Obeah on his life, his relentless in-studio and onstage professionalism contrasting with his off-duty fun, and how his early insecurity led to serial transglobal womanising.

Salewicz is on firm ground from the 70s onwards, but steps off the path when dealing with earlier times. Received, questionable wisdom such as the origin of “Coxson” Dodd’s nickname mingles with the occasional howler (Osbourne Ruddock a leading 60s producer?). Much of his original source material is previously unpublished but stems from players in Marley’s story whose reminiscences have been published before. Though inspiring, fluently and coherently told, it’s not as “untold” as the title suggests.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

ISBN 9780007255528, 432 pages

Reviewed by Mike Atherton
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