Bob Marley’s 75th Birthday To Be Marked Throughout Grammy Week

Primary Wave Music Publishing and Island Records have announced that Bob Marley’s 75th birthday will be celebrated with One Love Hotel presented by Mastercard, at the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood. A week-long residency for Grammy Week will start there on 21 January.

The celebrations of the reggae figurehead, who would have turned 75 on 6 February, are also taking part with the involvement of the Marley family and UMe, to honour his legacy at the outset of a year-long celebration. These will include events, exhibitions, performances and much more, encompassing the worlds of music, fashion, art, photography, technology, sport and film.

The 1 Hotel, renamed in honour of Marley’s classic hit, will host a pop-up shop with exclusive Marley product, including a high-end capsule collection featuring the art created for the ‘Redemption Song’ video. Also available will be House of Marley consumer electronics and Bob Marley vinyl.

“Daddy’s message has always been one of love and unity,” says Bob’s daughter Cedella Marley. “For decades passed and for generations to come, his music serves to lift and inspire all over the world. We are so excited to come together at the One Love Hotel during Grammy week to celebrate and remind ourselves of the power of music and everything he stood for.”

During Grammy Week, from 21 to 26 January, an all-star roster of Island Records artists will be on hand for performances and activations at the One Love Hotel. Bob’s grandson Skip Marley will launch the event on the 21st, with Marley family and friends in attendance. The night of 22 January will feature DJ sets from iHeart Radio Music Award-nominated production duo NOTD and the genre-defying artist Shallou.

On Thursday (24), platinum-certified artist Bishop Briggs will play, and there’ll be a special performance from two-time Grammy nominee Julian Marley, son of Bob, whose current album: AS I AM has been nominated for Best Reggae Album at the 2020 Grammys. Friday’s attractions include the recent Urban One Honours performer Jac Ross and the Grammy-nominated Jessie Reyez.

A gala pre-Grammy party on Saturday night (26) will feature a special guest DJ, co-hosted by Primary Wave Music Publishing, Island Records and Mastercard. Throughout the week, Mastercard cardholders will have exclusive access to events at the hotel and visitors wil be able to Tap & Go throughout the property with contactless-enabled room access, retail and dining environments.

In November, Island Records president Darcus Beese, founder Chris Blackwell and Jessie Reyez were at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles for a conversation moderated by the Museum’s founding executive Director Bob Santelli, after which Reyez gave an intimate performance. Blackwell, who signed Bob Marley and the Wailers to Island in 1972, will be attending One Love Grammy Week events at The One Love Hotel presented by Mastercard.

“Some almost 40 years later Bob Marley is still a symbol of hope and freedom,” says Blackwell, referring to the star’s death in 1981. “Important to so many because he spoke to people in all walks of life and in all corners of the earth.  He felt their struggle and fought their fight.”

Adds Beese: “Island Records and Primary Wave Music Publishing’s Grammy Week residency at The One Love Hotel will honour the life and music of Bob Marley, whose spirit carries on every day as one of the foundations of the company. At the same time, we are privileged to showcase some of Island’s incredible talent including Skip Marley, Bishop Briggs, NOTD, Shallou, Jac Ross and Jessie Reyez, whose music looks ahead to the next 60 years of Island history.”

“Bob Marley is unique in that he not only made his mark with his significant musical accomplishments but also communicated to his fans worldwide, bringing together people of all ages, cultures and race with his message,” adds Bruce Resnikoff, president and CEO of UMe. “He exerted a tremendous influence on the style and substance of music and culture.” More details of UMe’s plans to celebrate Marley’s life and legacy throughout the yea will be announced soon.

“Bob Marley changed the cultural ethos of generations of human beings and we’re proud to honour his legacy during the biggest week in music at The One Love Hotel,” says Larry Mestel, CEO & founder of Primary Wave Music Publishing. “I spent many years working with my longtime mentor Chris Blackwell at Island Records so it made perfect sense to partner with the legendary label for this week-long celebration.”

Cheryl Guerin, EVP marketing and communications for Mastercard, notes: “There are few artists whose approach and music drives a sense of community and inclusivity like Bob Marley and we are honoured to celebrate his legacy. The culture, passion and sense of community Marley fostered come to life in an immersive manner throughout the hotel that will allow our cardholders to celebrate their passion for music.”

Listen to the best of Bob Marley on Apple Music and Spotify.

Format: UK English