Bob Marley, were he still alive, would've reached the age of 70 today. Though he died more than 30 years ago, he is still probably the most recognised black men on the planet, more than Obama or Michael Jackson even; throughout Africa, South America, Asia and beyond.

I know some people have been turned off Marley from witnessing "trustafarian" tosspots with sun-bleached dreadlocks and acoustic guitars giving bloodless renditions of No Woman No Cry on beaches from Bali to Bournemouth, but Marley himself was never less than passionate in both recording and live performance.

From his first solo record at age 16 in 1961, through the classic Studio 1 recordings in the mid- 60's with the early Wailers, to Island records and gradual success outside Jamaica. From the Catch A Fire album to Rastaman Vibration, then Exodus and world-wide acclaim until his death from cancer in 1981, he was always true to his own ethical code. He was never on a star trip, he always wore the same style of clothes, and the wealth he accumulated never changed him, according to old friends. There's not too many rock or soul "stars" you could say that about.

I saw him play at the concert bowl in Crystal Palace Park in the mid 70s; a very charismatic performer.

His cancer was diagnosed after injuring his toe in a football match (unusually for a Jamaican, he preferred football to cricket), and it eventually spread throughout his body, causing his death in a Miami hospital. He was aged just 36. All these years later, his music can still be heard throughout the world.

* Tuff Gong was one of his nicknames and also the name he gave his Jamaican record label.

I used to be immortal

The Wailers fist Jamaican No1. It sold an unprecedented 80,000 copies.

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I used to be immortal

You could direct these unbelievers to the Island album, "Live At The Rainbow", the Rainbow Finsbury Park.

Bob is also alleged to have fathered at least one child during the Wailers stay in Ladbroke Grove in the early 70s, a bit difficult to do if your not in the same country as the lady in question!

I used to be immortal