The Mayor of the City of Toronto, John Tory, has proclaimed every February 6 as Bob Marley Day in the Canadian city to pay tribute to the Reggae icon’s legacy of peace, harmony and the unity of humankind.
Tory shared a statement via Twitter, noting that today, Robert Nesta Marley’s “music lives on and appeals to people of all cultures and guides them towards a world united — one people — one love”.
Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer and songwriter who created a mix of reggae, rocksteady and ska in his musical compositions.
He died on May 11, 1981 at the age of 36 from skin cancer. He would have been 74 on February 6, 2019.
The mayor noted that Marley began his career with the Wailers and became known for his distinctive writing and vocal style.
“Marley sang of tolerance and love. He became one of the greatest ambassadors of peace the world has ever seen. He encouraged us to live in harmony, chronicle our own destiny and stand up for what is right,” Tory continued.
The mayor also announced that the Toronto sign will be lit in green, black and yellow to celebrate Bob Marley Day.
Marley started his musical career in 1963 with the group the Wailers and forged a distinctive songwriting and vocal style that became popular with audiences worldwide.
The Rastafarian reggae was just 36-years-old when he died.
His musical success took off in 1964, and he insisted on continuing to perform, right through his illness until late 1980, just a few months before his death.
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