Relate 70’s MUSIC to Political and Historical events

1. WAR – Bob Marley took a speech from the Emperor of Ethiopia, Haille Selassie at
the United Nations and made it a song that showed how racism was the cause of the
many ways in Africa at the time; 1976
2. CONCRETE JUNGLE – This song represented the struggle of the urban poor in the
third world. Though the song refers to Arnett Gardens, a garrison in Jamaica, it could
represent the poverty and tension found in any ghetto; 1978
3. REDEMPTION SONG – This epic ballad represents the fight for freedom in the face
of great adversity; 1979
4. AFRICA UNITE – During the 70s when Africa was ridding itself from colonialism,
Bob Marley made an anthem that would call for its countries to join forces in Pan-
Africanism; 1979
5. REVOLUTION – Another song that calls for both a mental and physical revolution,
wiping out wicked ideas from society; 1974
6. RAT RACE – While accusations of the CIA operating in Jamaica were commonplace,
Bob Marley addressed the issue in this song, “Rasta now work for no CIA”; 1976
7. THEM BELLY FULL – Bob Marley goes into the poverty and drastic wealth
inequality between the rich and poor in both Jamaica and this world, and the tension
that they cause; 1986
8. GET UP STAND UP – Though this song deals with the Rastafarian faith, it has
become an anthem for sufferers everywhere; 1973
9. ZIMBABWE – This song represents the hope and excitement of independent Africa
and celebrates the fighters who fought against colonialism; 1979
10. AMBUSH IN THE NIGH – Bob was shot in 1976 and he addresses it in this song.
He did not blame any political party despite accusations that the US – backed JLP was
behind it, Bob did not blame any party but the climate of political nepotism and
violence that lead to the attack. 1979

Bob Marley used his music and his platform to spread a message of peace, love and social
justice. He influenced millions of people around the world with his songs of hope, resistance
and liberation. He also brought attention to the struggles and culture of Jamaica and the
African Diaspora. Some of the ways he impacted the world are:
 He popularized reggae music and introduced it to a global audience. He fused reggae
with rock, soul and other genres, creating a unique and powerful sound that appealed
to many listeners. He also collaborated with artists from different backgrounds and
countries, such as Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton and the Wailers;
 He spoke out against oppression, injustice and violence. He advocated for the rights
and dignity of the poor, the marginalized and the oppressed. He sang about the horrors
of slavery, colonialism, racism and war. He also supported the movements for
independence and liberation in Africa and other parts of the world;
 He inspired generations of musicians, activists and leaders. He influenced artists from
various genres and cultures, such as U2, Lauryn Hill, Bob Dylan and Nas. He also
 inspired political and social leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and
Martin Luther King Jr. He was a role model for many people who wanted to make a
positive change in the world;
 He embodied the spirit of Rastafari, a religious and cultural movement that originated
in Jamaica. He followed the teachings and practices of Rastafari, such as worshipping
Haile Selassie I, the former emperor of Ethiopia, as the messiah; wearing dreadlocks
and a beard; and using cannabis as a sacrament. He also promoted the values and
beliefs of Rastafari, such as peace, unity and respect for nature and humanity;
 He created a legacy of love and harmony that transcends boundaries and barriers. He
touched the hearts and souls of millions of people with his music and his message, He
encouraged people to live together in harmony, regardless of their race, religion or
nationality. He also expressed his love for his family, his friends and his fans. He is
widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time.

Historical events
 Anti-war movement
 Vietnam war
 Cold war
 Iran hostage crisis
 Civil rights movement
 Energy crisis
 Watergate scandal
 The gay liberation movement
 The breakup of the Beatles
 The death of Elvis Presley

Politics
 Conservative populism (due to the “cheerful hippies”) – a counterculture of the
turbulence of the 60s
 The New Right rise – promotion of a free market – vouch for “traditional” social
values and roles
 From the 60s liberalism grew on the fight for the environment, which translated to the
70s – America’s first celebrated Earth Day and congress passed the Nation
Environmental Policy Act, endangered species act and Clean Water act
 Women’s rights – many American groups fought for social expandature, congress
approved the Equal Rights Amendment for the constitutions
 Conflict between the conservative activists and the newly risen feminists and equal
strivers.