[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E243]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF ROBERT (BOB) NESTA MARLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2009

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
contributions of Robert (Bob) Nesta Marley and the impact that he has 
had on the world. This is a man whose music has inspired the world over 
and whose lyrics began a movement of revolution not just in actions and 
words but in the core being of individuals and he made his contribution 
and achieved his wonderful legacy in a short life cut off by cancer at 
the age of thirty-six. On his birthday on February 6th of this year he 
would have been only sixty-four.
  Bob Marley's humble beginnings in a small town in Jamaica instilled 
in him an appreciation of the various stations in life and especially 
that of the most unfortunate. His early life influenced the majority of 
his music which heralded the strength of the worker and denounced the 
unfortunate plight of the disenfranchised. Throughout his life Bob 
Marley strove to create music that would inspire people for generations 
to come. His music was born in a time of turmoil and heavy racial 
prejudice throughout the world and his music absorbed the hatred and 
bigotry only to release lyrics that spoke of reconciliation and 
harmony.
  One of his most celebrated songs, ``One Love'' is a perfect example 
of his music that seeks to find the beauty in the midst of darkness. He 
sings of a nation with ``one love'' and ``one heart'' that is united 
towards the achievement of harmony and peace. This song is rightfully 
acclaimed as a global anthem and recognized as one of the most 
influential songs of the 20th century. Bob Marley asks ``Let's get 
together and feel all right, I'm pleading to mankind'', and in so 
doing, he challenges us all to respond to our better selves.

                          ____________________