Rita Marley

Rita Marley
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Name	Rita Marley
Birth name	Alpharita Constantia Anderson
Birth date	July 25, 1946
Birth place	Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Nationality	Jamaican
Occupation	Singer, songwriter
Spouse	Bob Marley
Children	Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, Robert Nesta Marley, Rohan Marley, Karen Marley, Julian Marley, Ky-Mani Marley, Damian Marley

Rita Marley is a Jamaican singer and songwriter, best known as the wife of Bob Marley and a member of the I Threes backing vocal group. Born Alpharita Constantia Anderson in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, she moved to Kingston, Jamaica with her family at a young age and grew up in the Trenchtown neighborhood, where she met Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer. She began her music career in the 1960s, performing with The Soulettes and later with The Wailers. Her music has been influenced by American soul music, Jamaican folk music, and Rastafarian culture, with notable collaborations with Toots and the Maytals, Jimmy Cliff, and Laurel Aitken.

Early Life and Career

Rita Marley was born to a Jamaican mother, Cedella Booker, and a Cuban father, and spent her early years in Cuba before moving to Jamaica. She grew up in the Trenchtown neighborhood of Kingston, Jamaica, where she met Bob Marley and other future Reggae musicians, including Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. She began singing with The Soulettes in the 1960s, performing at local venues such as the Skateland and Studio One, and later joined The Wailers as a backing vocalist, alongside Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. Her early music career was influenced by American soul music artists such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Sam Cooke, as well as Jamaican folk music and Calypso music from Trinidad and Tobago.

Music Career

Rita Marley's music career took off in the 1970s as a member of the I Threes backing vocal group, performing with Bob Marley and the Wailers on tours and recordings, including the iconic Island Records album Catch a Fire. She also released solo material, including the album Who Feels It Knows It, which featured the hit single One Draw. Her music has been influenced by Rastafarian culture and African music, with collaborations with artists such as Fela Kuti, King Sunny Adé, and Youssou N'Dour. She has performed at numerous music festivals, including the Reggae Sunsplash and Montreux Jazz Festival, and has worked with producers such as Chris Blackwell, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and Sly and Robbie.

Personal Life

Rita Marley was married to Bob Marley from 1966 until his death in 1981, and had four children with him: Ziggy Marley, Stephen Marley, Robert Nesta Marley, and Rohan Marley. She also had two children from previous relationships: Karen Marley and Julian Marley. After Bob Marley's death, she continued to raise their children and manage his estate, including the Tuff Gong record label and Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, Jamaica. She has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the Bob Marley Foundation and the Rita Marley Foundation, which support education, healthcare, and cultural development in Jamaica and Africa, with partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF, Red Cross, and Oxfam.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Rita Marley has been recognized for her philanthropic work and contributions to Jamaican music and culture, including the Order of Jamaica and the Key to the City of Kingston. She has supported various charitable organizations, including the Bob Marley Foundation, which provides educational and economic opportunities for young people in Jamaica and Africa. She has also been involved in the development of the Rita Marley Foundation, which focuses on healthcare, education, and cultural preservation in Jamaica and Africa, with collaborations with institutions such as the University of the West Indies, Harvard University, and the British Museum. Her legacy as a musician and philanthropist continues to inspire new generations of artists and social activists, including Lauren Hill, Erykah Badu, and Angélique Kidjo.

Discography

Rita Marley has released several solo albums, including Who Feels It Knows It and Harambe, as well as compilations and collaborations with other artists, such as The I Threes and The Wailers. Her music has been featured on various soundtracks, including the Bob Marley documentary Time Will Tell and the Jamaican film Smile Orange. She has worked with producers such as Glyn Johns, Tony Visconti, and Sly and Robbie, and has been influenced by a range of musical styles, including Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady, and Dub music, with notable collaborations with Toots and the Maytals, Burning Spear, and Steel Pulse. Her discography includes albums such as One Draw, Play Play, and We Must Carry On, which feature songs like Many Are Called, African Roots, and Good Girls Culture.