Jamming

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Jamming" by Bob Marley & The Wailers from the iconic Exodus album! This track, released in 1977, is a celebration of unity and good vibes, with "jamming" in Jamaican patois meaning a joyful gathering or party. The song’s infectious rhythm and message of resilience, with lines like "No bullet can stop us now," were inspired by Marley’s turbulent experiences. In December 1976, Marley survived an assassination attempt at his Kingston home, where he was shot in the chest and arm. Just two days later, he performed at the Smile Jamaica concert, showcasing his unbreakable spirit. This event, followed by his move to London, shaped the recording of Exodus and "Jamming," which became a UK Top 10 hit, peaking at number 9. Fun fact: Stevie Wonder paid homage to the song with his track "Master Blaster (Jammin’)," showing Marley’s influence across genres.

Another cool tidbit about "Jamming" comes from its cultural impact. The song has popped up everywhere, from a Simpsons episode where Chief Wiggum sings it, to a Super Bowl Budweiser Frogs commercial. Marley’s wife, Rita, performed it at the "Marley Magic: Live In Central Park" tribute concert, and his children, Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, often include it in their live sets, keeping the song’s legacy alive. Posts on X from fans, like @daddymack362, highlight its enduring appeal, calling it a classic from Exodus that still rocks the airwaves. The track’s laid-back yet powerful vibe, backed by the tight rhythm section of Aston and Carlton Barrett, makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s hippie energy.

Bob Marley’s journey to becoming a reggae legend began in the rural village of Nine Mile, Jamaica, where he was born on February 6, 1945, as Robert Nesta Marley. Growing up in poverty in Kingston’s Trenchtown, Marley found solace in music, influenced by ska and rocksteady. In 1963, he formed The Wailers with friends Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, and others, initially called The Teenagers. They honed their craft under producers like Lee "Scratch" Perry, releasing early hits like "Simmer Down." By the early 1970s, the band, now Bob Marley & The Wailers, signed with Island Records, and albums like Catch a Fire and Burnin’ introduced reggae to global audiences. Marley’s 1975 hit "No Woman, No Cry" from Natty Dread marked his international breakthrough, cementing his status as a voice for the oppressed and a Rastafarian icon.

Despite lineup changes, with Tosh and Wailer leaving in 1974, Marley continued with a new backing band, including the I Threes (Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffiths) and musicians like Junior Marvin and the Barrett brothers. His music blended spiritual and political themes, resonating worldwide. Marley’s life was cut short in 1981 at age 36 due to cancer, but his legacy endures through his family and music. Fans can connect with his story on the official Bob Marley website, follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For community vibes, check out fan-driven spaces like the Bob Marley Fans Facebook group or explore Reggaeville, a hub for reggae fans with news and updates on Marley’s legacy.