Marley Legend: An Illustrated Life of Bob Marley » (BOOK & CD)

James Henke is chief curator of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. For 16 years he was a writer and editor at Rolling Stone magazine. He has written and edited several books on rock and roll, including Lennon Legend .

Published to coincide with the twenty-fifth anniversary of his death, Marley Legend celebrates the life and work of Bob Marley in an authorized and fully illustrated biography. In the same interactive format as the best-selling Lennon Legend, this innovative book features rare photographs and 20 removable facsimiles, including Marley's handwritten lyrics and concert memorabilia, even a private sketchbook. The package also includes a 50-minute spoken word CD featuring archival Marley interviews. Rock journalist James Henke relates the dramatic story of Marley's life, from his impoverished childhood in Jamaica's Trenchtown to his spiritual awakening through Rastafarianism, his multinational musical success, and his death from cancer at age 36. In addition to interviews with Marley's family and associates conducted especially for this book, Henke includes thoughts on favorite Marley songs from such diverse artists as U2's Bono, Sean Paul, Ben Harper, and Chrissie Hynde. Marley's message was one of love, peace, and equality and in words and pictures, Marley Legend shows why Bob Marley is, as Entertainment Weekly recently called him, "still the world's biggest rock star."

Library Journal

This lovely coffee-table offering by Henke (VP of exhibitions & curatorial affairs, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; Lennon Legend) is divided into 11 brief chapters that recount the life and legend of reggae pioneer Bob Marley. Included are 20 removable facsimiles of handwritten lyrics, vintage concert posters, tickets, and other memorabilia; a CD with 60 minutes of interviews with the artist, some never before released; and "My Favorite Marley Song" selections from such artists as Ben Harper, Bono, and Chrissie Hynde. While most casual fans (and those who have read Timothy White's classic biography, Catch a Fire) are already aware of the facts surrounding Marley's life, this colorful package offers several new photos and simulated artifacts to honor the memory of the great artist. It is truly a fine book, but it is unfortunately too fragile for standard library use. Recommended, then, for fans and Marley completists.-Bill Walker, Stockton-San Joaquin Cty. P.L., CA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.