Bob Marley, Junior Marvin, and Kara Kennedy
Bob Marley. Photo by David Burnett.
I just returned from two weeks in Jamaica assisting the musical genius Donovan on a new project of his. More about that later from The Back Room.
I took the opportunity while in Ocho Rios to make a pilgrimage to the tomb of Bob Marley, whose birthday happens to be today. I drove deep into the Jamaican countryside, to a beautiful area known as Nine Mile, where Bob Marley was born and grew up. Marley’s mausoleum is next door to the home he lived in with his mother, Cedella, until he was 13 years old when he moved to ‘Trenchtown’ in Kingston.
Bob Marley’s mausoleum in Nine Mile, Jamaica. Photo by Chris Murray.
It was with great respect and appreciation I entered the mausoleum and circumambulated his marble tomb and paused to touch it and say a prayer. I was grateful for the opportunity to pay my respects to one of the greatest and most soulful songwriters and performers of our time.
Bob Marley’s tomb.
Speaking of Bob Marley, Junior Marvin, the dynamic and charismatic guitarist for Bob Marley and the Wailers who recorded and performed with Marley from the Exodus album until his passing in 1981, is presenting his remarkable Bob Marley Tribute February 24th at a rare afternoon appearance in Washington at The Hamilton Live. This show is a fundraiser and all the proceeds go to the Kara Kennedy Fund, which supports the learn-to-swim programs at Horizons Greater Washington. Brunch is included!
Kara was a dear friend and it is exciting to support this worthy charity, to see Julian Junior Marvin and The Wailers and the wonderful Bob Marley tribute, and to enjoy brunch and dancing to the best live reggae music. Here are all the ticket details for the February 24th celebration. Everyone is invited!!