Happy Birthday Bob Marley - Now For The Movie!

Bob Marley would have been celebrating his 66th birthday today had he not succumbed to cancer in 1981 at the tragically early age of 36 - and, notably, at the peak of his musicianship.
The man compressed into his short life what millions of other mortals could not achieve in a hundred years.

It is therefore fitting that, 30 years after his death, The Prophet is being commemorated in a movie by Kevin Macdonald, the British director who gave us The Last King of Scotland.
It has been a long, arduous struggle to capture the life and times of Robert Nesta Marley on celluloid - even the likes of Martin Scorsese found the challenge too daunting. Jonathan Demme also pulled out of the project after producer Steve Bing was said to have been less than impressed by Demme's work.
A report in the Los Angeles Times confirmed this week that it was now all systems go for the comprehensive documentary.
"Titled Marley and set for a release this summer, the movie will examine the brief, creative life of the reggae pioneer ... by interviewing many of the figures in and around him, as well as using archival material. The film will examine 'the life, legacy and global impact of a true legend', said a statement from the producers, Tuff Gong Pictures, Shangri-La Entertainment and Cowboy Films," the newspaper reported.
The movie is due for release later this year to coincide with a series of concerts and re-releases of his music to mark the 30th anniversary of his death.