Bob Marley, Emerging Rasta 1966–1970
MacNeil, Dean. “Bob Marley, Emerging Rasta 1966–1970.” IDEAZ 15 (2020): 108–127.
This study examines Marley’s formative years between 1966 and 1970, tracing his development as an emerging emissary of Rastafari through three early recordings: “Freedom Time,” “The Lord Will Make a Way,” and “Man to Man.” Particular attention is given to the influence of Scripture, gospel music, and the recurring themes of resistance and redemption that would characterize his later work.
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Marley, Bob
MacNeil, Dean. “Marley, Bob.” In Encyclopedia of the Bible and Its Reception, vol. 17, 979–980. Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, 2019.
This encyclopedia entry examines Bob Marley as a biblical wisdom teacher and interpreter of Scripture. Through close readings of “Wisdom,” “Johnny Was,” and “Forever Loving Jah,” MacNeil demonstrates how Marley adapts biblical passages from Proverbs and Romans to articulate his distinctive perspectives on wealth and poverty, the sanctity of life, and trust in God. The analysis reveals how Marley’s lyrical modifications constitute deliberate acts of biblical interpretation, informed by his personal experience and spiritual development.
