18/04/2024
Bob Marley married Alpharita Constantia “Rita” Anderson in Kingston, Jamaica, on 10 February 1966.
Marley had many children: three with his wife Rita, two adopted from Rita’s previous relationships.
The Bob Marley official website acknowledges eleven children total.
Rita Marley, born July 25, 1946 in Santiago de Cuba and raised in Trenchtown, Kingston, Jamaica, has left an indelible mark on the world of music and culture.
As a founding member of the Soulettes and later as a member of Bob Marley & the Wailers, Rita's talent and contributions have been instrumental in shaping the reggae genre and spreading the message of love and unity.
Rita's musical journey began with the Soulettes, a group she formed with her cousin Constantine Walker and Marlene Gifford. The Soulettes released several recordings, including rocksteady hits like "Time for Everything" and "Turn Turn Turn." These early songs showcased Rita's soulful vocals and laid the foundation for her future success.
It was during this time that Rita crossed paths with Bob Marley, who would become her husband and musical collaborator. After recording for Studio One and being mentored by Bob, Rita married him in 1966. Bob's temporary absence from the band led to Rita stepping in as a member of the Wailers, recording soulful and rocksteady tracks alongside Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh.
February 10 2024 marks 58 years of the marriage Bob Marley had in his life with Alpharita Constancia, better known as Rita Marley, singer originally from the island of Cuba.
The marriage took place at Rita's family home on February 10, 1966, in Kingston.. She was 19 and Bob, two years older.
At that time, he occupied his time as a guitarist, but it wouldn't take long to become an artist of international size, a situation that changed his relationship.
In 1968, Rita and Bob Marley signed exclusive contracts with JAD label, owned by American singer Johnny Nash and his manager Danny Sims. These contracts provided them with an opportunity to record in Kingston and marked a significant milestone in their careers. Rita's vocals graced a series of rocksteady recordings, including the iconic "Bend Down Low" and "Mellow Mood."
Following the birth of their son Ziggy Marley, Bob returned to Delaware to work in a factory, while Bunny Wailer rejoined the Wailers. Rita did not record with Bob until 1974 when he formed the I Three harmony vocal group, which included Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. Together, they recorded the album "Natty Dread," which propelled Bob Marley & the Wailers to international stardom with the timeless track "No Woman No Cry."
https://purejamaicamedia.com/more-than-just-bob-marleys-wife-the-enduring-love-story-of-rita-marley-cuban-queen-of-reggae
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