Claim: Bob Marley began with a band.

Robert Nesta Marley , OM -LRB- 6 February 1945 -- 11 May 1981 -RRB- was a Jamaican singer-songwriter , musician and guitarist who achieved international fame and acclaim , blending mostly reggae , ska and rocksteady in his compositions . Starting out in 1963 with the group the Wailers , he forged a distinctive songwriting and vocal style that would later resonate with audiences worldwide . The Wailers would go on to release some of the earliest reggae records with producer Lee `` Scratch '' Perry .   After the Wailers disbanded in 1974 , Marley pursued a solo career upon his relocation to England that culminated in the release of the album Exodus in 1977 , which established his worldwide reputation and elevated his status as one of the world 's best-selling artists of all time , with sales of more than 75 million records . Exodus stayed on the British album charts for 56 consecutive weeks . It included four UK hit singles : `` Exodus '' , `` Waiting in Vain '' , `` Jamming '' , and `` One Love '' . In 1978 , he released the album Kaya , which included the hit singles `` Is This Love '' and `` Satisfy My Soul '' .   Diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma in 1977 , Marley died on 11 May 1981 in Miami at age 36 . He was a committed Rastafari who infused his music with a sense of spirituality . He is credited with popularising reggae music around the world and served as a symbol of Jamaican culture and identity . Marley has also evolved into a global symbol and inspired numerous items of merchandise .