I and I — Experience Bob Marley

I AND I — BOB MARLEY
Readers young and old experience the power of words and music, poetry and rhythm in this picture-book biography written in verse. Young people may not know Bob Marley’s name but many will recognize his songs. I AND I BOB MARLEY by Tony Medina illustrated by Jesse Joshua Watson is bold and beautiful. Tony Medina’s poetry echoes Marley’s desire for brotherhood and peace which fill his songs. Watson’s strong illustrations show the strength of Marley’s conviction to sing about the beauty and joy of the human spirit and break the bonds of poverty and prejudice.
Bob Marley made his first guitar from a sardine can, a bamboo stick and electric wire. Then he sang to the world about hope, don’t give up – keep on trying…don’t worry, be happy. He sang about peace, about the celebration of every living soul.
“with a heart
Like an angel…
And songs in my belly
I have to sing…”

Bob Marley was deeply influenced by his respect for Rastafarian values: “you cayn’t kill God.” Spiritual and social issues became fierce melodies he sang from stages around the world. Peace…Peace in the slums of cites. Peace between warring gangs. Peace between neighbors living next door, in the next apartment, or as global neighbors in our one-world earth.
Success was not a straight-line journey but by the mid-1970’s Marley’s reggae was known and applauded worldwide. In 1976 “Rastaman Vibration” broke album-selling records and more important, was a clear musical declaration of Marley’s beliefs about brotherhood and peace. “War” contained lyrics taken from a speech by Emperor Haile Selassie.
In anticipation of Rhodesia’s liberation from colonialism Bob Marley performed a new song, “Zimbabwe.” This song was part of his pan-African solidarity album, “Survival,” his ninth album for Island Records released in 1979.
To back track a moment, following his mid-1970’s success in London, Marley decided to return to his home country and give a concert free to the people of Jamaica at Kingston’s National Heroes Park. His purpose was to thank his people and to encourage peace between warring factions in the city’s concrete jungle slums. The night before the concert, gunmen broke into his house and seriously wounded Marley. Not only did Marley appear on stage the next day at the concert, he continued to sing out for the encouragement of peace. In 1978 Marley performed again in Jamaica, this time the One Love Peace concert was celebrated in front of both Prime Minister Manley and the Leader of the Opposition, Seaga. Later that same year Marley traveled to New York City to receive from the United Nations the Medal of Peace.
Bob Marley sang to the world what he believed – peace – you got to want it: “People Get Ready,” work for the victory of good over evil, for global unity, for the expansion of “One Love.”
Begin with the person walking next to you. Sing it, do it: “You’ve got to live out the book.”
Take a look at this powerful picture book, I and I: Bob Marley. Listen to his songs and hear again their message.
Enjoy the soul-stirring beat, the joyful rhythms. Take your time.
This is the kind of poetry kids will want to read.