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Worshiped by millions, Rastafarian reggae superstar Bob Marley captivated audiences worldwide. We delved deep to find some hidden truths about the Jamaican legend.

1. Bob Marley's original name was Nesta Robert Marley but his middle and first name were swapped around to preserve his masculinity after a comment was made that Nesta was seen as a girl's name. This was not the only thing which was noticeably different from his birth certificate. After Bob was born on 6th February 1945, it took his mother a while to finally get him officially registered, meaning the date on his birth certificate was incorrect, stating he was born on 6th April.

2. From the age of four it was discovered Bob Marley could read palms. When Cedella (Bob's mother) first heard of this from relatives and neighbours she took it as a joke. These palm readings invariably came true, which left his mother quite shaken. When Bob was a lot older and returned to Kingston, a woman asked him to read her palm - he replied: "I'm not reading no more hand: I'm singing now."

3. In Kingston Bob Marley was known by the natives as a "white boy". This was due to his mixed raced origins being clearly visible in his facial skin. This made Bob feel very alienated although was a huge aid in helping him build up his confidence and self-esteem, turning him into the man he was.

4. When Bob was at school his best subject was mathematics. He didn't stay in school for long though, and left at a young age when he managed to secure himself as an apprentice welder. After a dangerous injury in which a piece of metal flew into his eye, he decided to leave, ultimately for the whole world's benefit.

5. After being arrested for possession of marijuana, the singer spent a month in prison, during which time he met many prisoners that he formed strong relationships with. These prisoners motivated him to write songs with a more political message.

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6. The record label Tuff Gong was set up by Bob. It was named after his self-made nickname. This record label now boasts one of the largest audio recording facilities in the Caribbean.

7. Bob was well known for being a bit of a ladies man. Throughout his life he had an involvement in many different women's lives. Several of these women bore him children - he had one main chat-up line: "Yuh wan have ma baby?" Apparently he used this a little bit too much.

8. Once he'd found success Marley became extremely generous with this money. Having grown up in a poor family in Jamaica he knew how difficult it was to get by. He decided to put his goodwill into practice by buying houses for friends and supported many of the poor in Jamaica.

9. A 1977 football injury led doctors to discover a malignant melanoma in Marley's toe. They recommended amputation, but he refused for religious reasons. The tumour then spread, which ultimately caused his death.

10. When Bob was terminally ill he wanted to end his days in Jamaica, but unfortunately, on the Germany to Jamaica journey, didn't make it past Miami. Ever the romantic, he was buried on home turf along with a soccer ball, his Gibson Les Paul guitar, and a bud of marijuana.

Words by Jess Longstaff

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Ten Things You Never Knew About Bob Marley

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Worshiped by millions, Rastafarian reggae superstar Bob Marley captivated audiences worldwide. We delved deep to find some hidden truths about the Jamaican legend. 1. Bob Marley's original name was Nesta Robert Marley but his middle and first name were swapped around to preserve his masculinity after a comment was made that Nesta was seen as a girl's name.

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Jamaican singer, musician and songwriter Bob Marley served as a world ambassador for reggae music and sold more than 20 million records throughout his career.

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Reggae
Raggae Songwriter and Singer
Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica. In 1963, Marley and his friends formed the Wailing Wailers. The Wailers' big break came in 1972, when they landed a contract with Island Records. Marley went on to sell more than 20 million records throughout his career, making him the first international superstar to emerge from the so-called Third World. He died in Miami, Florida, on May 11, 1981.

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"Get up, Stand Up"

As the opening statement on the Wailers’ 1973 album Burnin’, “Get Up Stand Up” would become not only a signature song for its writers, it would go on to endure as an international human rights anthem. The song has survived versions as diverse as mellow jazz to ear-splitting metal; it’s a standard by any measure, though the fact that it still needs to be performed at all speaks to the persistence of oppression and human rights violations in all forms throughout the world. This song gives a very positive message. It gives everyone hope no matter what race you are.

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Bob Marley and son Stephen Bob Marley

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Bob Marley believed strong message in songs is important, says son StephenBob Marley and son Stephen Telegraph Reporters 26 SEPTEMBER 2016 • 12:01AMThe son of reggae legend Bob Marley has called for more social consciousness in music, saying his father believed songs should have strong messages.Stephen, 44, was still a child when his father died in 1981, but said his father instilled in him a strong understanding about the power of music.He said: "When I was younger I definitely wondered what he would think all the time."The values we were taught are a part of me and I don't think about that now."My morals are instilled and it comes out of me. I had great mentors and I know he knows what is going on. He wouldn't agree with everything, but most things."Bob MarleyHe added: "I remember when I was younger he said to me I was singing too many songs about girls. He thought the message was more important. I always remember that."I was eight years old then but I was aware I can't just sing anything, it has to have a message."He was very intricate and serious about the power and influence of music."As a young man making music, he watched the integrity and advocacy of our lives. The older we got, the less disagreements we had."Taylor Swift CREDIT: REXThe Grammy-winning singer and producer called on artists such as Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift to think of the social messages they could include in their own offerings, saying: "We need more conscious music, our society needs an influx of consciousness, music has such a big influence, it comes with a responsibility."The point of music is it brings people together. Know the responsibility that comes with this talent, the impact you have on the masses."That 's what I would say to the younger ones to use their gift for a positive way."Marley recently released a new album - Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life, which features collaborations with his brother Damian, Pitbull, Iggy Azalea, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes and Wyclef Jean, to name a few.Damian MarleyOn his diverse partnerships, he said: "It was just about cross-pollinating the music, growing hands together with other genres."Some have influenced reggae and others reggae has influenced, like hip hop."With some of the people where I like their music, it happened organically."Some people I aspired to do some work with, like Pitbull. I met him before he became an international star. It was a great vibe, he came with his heart."With Iggy, I wasn't familiar with her, we wanted a female on the track and she stepped up. I was honoured and started listening to her stuff after someone suggested her. When we got back I said 'wow' and learnt more about her."Marley said he hopes his collaboration with Damian is a precursor to a wider collaboration with his many siblings.He said: "He's the youngest of the family and we have watched him grow. Working together is beautiful and natural."As brothers we have been dancing around the idea of all making an album together because we have so many songs together."Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life is out now.

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Bob Marley believed strong message in songs is important, says son StephenBob Marley and son Stephen Telegraph Reporters 26 SEPTEMBER 2016 • 12:01AMThe son of reggae legend Bob Marley has called for more social consciousness in music, saying his father believed songs should have strong messages.Stephen, 44, was still a child when his father died in 1981, but said his father instilled in him a strong understanding about the power of music.He said: "When I was younger I definitely wondered what he would think all the time."The values we were taught are a part of me and I don't think about that now."My morals are instilled and it comes out of me. I had great mentors and I know he knows what is going on. He wouldn't agree with everything, but most things."Bob MarleyHe added: "I remember when I was younger he said to me I was singing too many songs about girls. He thought the message was more important. I always remember that."I was eight years old then but I was aware I can't just sing anything, it has to have a message."He was very intricate and serious about the power and influence of music."As a young man making music, he watched the integrity and advocacy of our lives. The older we got, the less disagreements we had."Taylor Swift CREDIT: REXThe Grammy-winning singer and producer called on artists such as Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift to think of the social messages they could include in their own offerings, saying: "We need more conscious music, our society needs an influx of consciousness, music has such a big influence, it comes with a responsibility."The point of music is it brings people together. Know the responsibility that comes with this talent, the impact you have on the masses."That 's what I would say to the younger ones to use their gift for a positive way."Marley recently released a new album - Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life, which features collaborations with his brother Damian, Pitbull, Iggy Azalea, DJ Khaled, Busta Rhymes and Wyclef Jean, to name a few.Damian MarleyOn his diverse partnerships, he said: "It was just about cross-pollinating the music, growing hands together with other genres."Some have influenced reggae and others reggae has influenced, like hip hop."With some of the people where I like their music, it happened organically."Some people I aspired to do some work with, like Pitbull. I met him before he became an international star. It was a great vibe, he came with his heart."With Iggy, I wasn't familiar with her, we wanted a female on the track and she stepped up. I was honoured and started listening to her stuff after someone suggested her. When we got back I said 'wow' and learnt more about her."Marley said he hopes his collaboration with Damian is a precursor to a wider collaboration with his many siblings.He said: "He's the youngest of the family and we have watched him grow. Working together is beautiful and natural."As brothers we have been dancing around the idea of all making an album together because we have so many songs together."Revelation Part II: The Fruit of Life is out now.

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Country
Country Singer and songwriter
Singer Eric Church was born on May 3, 1977, in Granite Falls, North Carolina, and he took up the guitar at 13 and began writing songs. Since then he has become a new country outlaw producing songs such as "Lotta Boot Left to Fill" which in many cases steps on a lot of toes. Eric Church is passionate about country music and in the song "Lotta Boot Left to Fill" he tries to inspire other country singers to be genuine and remember those country artists that paved the way for country music.

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Country singer Eric Church rose to fame with his Chief and The Outsiders albums. Learn more about his life and music at Biography.com.

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Lyrics
"A Lot Of Boot Left To Fill"[Verse 1:]Get ups, Gimics,One hit wonders that don't stick.Pretty boys actin' tough,boy bands, give it up.And if it looks good on TV,it'll look good on a CD.Shape it up, trim it down.Who gives a damn about how it sounds?[Chorus:]I don't think Waylon done' it that way.And if he was here he'd say:"Hoss neither did Hank."I ain't doggin what you're doin'but boys come on lets get real.You still got a lot of boot left to fill.[Verse 2:]You say you're the real deal,but you play what, nobody feels.You sing about Johnny Cash.The man in black would have whipped your ass![Repeat Chorus:]I don't think Waylon done' it that way.And if he was here he'd say:"Hoss neither did Hank."I ain't doggin what you're doin'but boys come on lets get real.You still got a lot of boot left to fill.[Verse 3:]So, so long, 'till I see you again.When you're layin in the bargain bin. Ha.[Repeat Chorus:]I don't think Waylon done' it that way.And if he was here he'd say:"Hoss neither did Hank."I ain't doggin what you're doin'But then again, hell yes I am.I just don't give a damnCause you still got a lot of boot left to fillI guess we all got a lot of boot left to fill

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Eric Church - Lotta Boot Left to Fill (Live NYC)

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Eric Church performing Lotta Boot Left to Fill at Terminal 5 in NYC on September 29, 2010 *First night of Revolution Tour with Miranda Lambert and Josh Kelley

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Eric Church's meaning behind "Lotta Boot Left to Fill"

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Even though ' Carolina' was released almost a year ago, the controversy surrounding this song has yet to die. While the tune pokes fun at a lot of people in the industry, Eric says it is not a self-righteous statement. Those that listen to the lyrics will find that he pokes fun at himself in the song, too.

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Verse 1:]
Some say the blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice
I say the darker the flesh then the deeper the roots
I give a holler to my sisters on welfare
Tupac cares, if don't nobody else care
And uhh, I know they like to beat ya down a lot
When you come around the block brothas clown a lot
But please don't cry, dry your eyes, never let up
Forgive but don't forget, girl keep your head up
And when he tells you you ain't nothin' don't believe him
And if he can't learn to love you you should leave him
Cause sista you don't need him
And I ain't tryin to gash up, I just call em how I see em
You know it makes me unhappy
When brothas make babies, and leave a young mother to be a pappy
And since we all came from a woman
Got our name from a woman and our game from a woman
I wonder why we take from our women
Why we rape our women, do we hate our women?
I think it's time to kill for our women
Time to heal our women, be real to our women
And if we don't we'll have a race of babies
That will hate the ladies, that make the babies
And since a man can't make one
He has no right to tell a woman when and where to create one
So will the real men get up
I know you're fed up ladies, but you gotta keep your head up

[Chorus:]
Keep ya head up, oooo child things are gonna get easier
Ooooo child things are gonna get brighter [2x]

[Verse 2:]
Aiyyo, I remember Marvin Gaye, used to sing ta me
He had me feelin like black was tha thing to be
And suddenly tha ghetto didn't seem so tough
And though we had it rough, we always had enough
I huffed and puffed about my curfew and broke the rules
Ran with the local crew, and had a smoke or two
And I realize momma really paid the price
She nearly gave her life, to raise me right
And all I had ta give her was my pipe dream
Of how I'd rock the mic, and make it to tha bright screen
I'm tryin to make a dollar out of fifteen cents
It's hard to be legit and still pay tha rent
And in the end it seems I'm headin for tha pen
I try and find my friends, but they're blowin in the wind
Last night my buddy lost his whole family
It's gonna take the man in me to conquer this insanity
It seems tha rain'll never let up
I try to keep my head up, and still keep from gettin wet up
You know it's funny when it rains it pours
They got money for wars, but can't feed the poor
Say there ain't no hope for the youth and the truth is
It ain't no hope for tha future
And then they wonder why we crazy
I blame my mother, for turning my brother into a crack baby
We ain't meant to survive, cause it's a setup
And even if you're fed up
Huh, ya got to keep your head up

[Chorus]

[Verse 3:]
And uhh
To all the ladies havin babies on they own
I know it's kinda rough and you're feelin all alone
Daddy's long gone and he left you by ya lonesome
Thank the Lord for my kids, even if nobody else want em
Cause I think we can make it, in fact, I'm sure
And if you fall, stand tall and comeback for more
Cause ain't nuttin worse than when your son
Wants to kno why his daddy don't love him no mo'
You can't complain you was dealt this
Hell of a hand without a man, feelin helpless
Because there's too many things for you to deal with
Dying inside, but outside you're looking fearless
While tears, is rollin down your cheeks
Ya steady hopin things don't all down this week
Cause if it did, you couldn't take it, and don't blame me
I was given this world I didn't make it
And now my son's getten older and older and cold
From havin the world on his shoulders
While the rich kids is drivin Benz
I'm still tryin to hold on to survivin friends
And it's crazy, it seems it'll never let up, but
Please... you got to keep your head up

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Rapper

"Tupac's   rap song "Keep Ya Head Up"  delivers a positive message to one of the most oppressed groups in the U.S: poor, black women. Rap music provides many critiques of our world, especially as they relate to race, money, gender, and forms of criminal activity.  I learned  the song is dedicated to Latasha Harlins, a fifteen-year-old woman shot and killed by a shop owner in LA. Her death is cited as one of the causes of the LA riots in 1992.In the first verse, Tupac raps:“You know it makes me unhappy (what’s that)When brothers make babies, and leave a young mother to be a pappy And since we all came from a woman Got our name from a woman and our game from a woman I wonder why we take from our womenWhy we rape our women, do we hate our women?”In this verse, Tupac addresses the contradictory perceptions of women in culture. After presenting this contradiction, he specifically calls on men of color to treat their women and children with respect. He also asks women and children to “keep ya head up” though our society makes it difficult to survive in a one parent family. Part of the second verse:“You know it’s funny when it rains it pours They got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor Say there ain’t no hope for the youth and the truth is it ain’t no hope for the future And then they wonder why we crazy”In this verse, Tupac addresses the government’s role in perpetuating poverty among people of color. He makes a connection between negative perceptions of the youth and the larger societal forces that create inequality.Part of the third verse:“To all the ladies having babies on they own I know it’s kinda rough and you’re feelin all alone Daddy’s long gone and he left you by ya lonesome Thank the Lord for my kids, even if nobody else want em Cause I think we can make it, in fact, I’m sure And if you fall, stand tall and comeback for more Cause ain’t nothing worse than when your son wants to know why his daddy don’t love him no more You can’t complain you was dealt this hell of a hand without a man, feeling helpless Because there’s too many things for you to deal with Dying inside, but outside you’re looking fearless”Here, Tupac promotes a two parent family. In the absence of one, he calls on mothers to stay strong, even when they are struggling, because eventually things will change. He also mentions the harm to children that can occur without strong male role models."

https://bizgovsoc9.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/tupacs-keep-ya-head-up/

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After Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the uncle of the prime suspect in Tupac Shakur's murder, confessed to TV that a person in his car fired the shots that killed Tupac. A change.org petition is demanding Los Vegas police considerer new arrest warrants in the rapper's 1996 murder.

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Selma Official Trailer #1 (2015) - Oprah Winfrey, Cuba Gooding Jr. Movie HD

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Storyline
The unforgettable true story chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. Director Ava DuVernay's "Selma" tells the story of how the revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that forever altered history. Written by Miss W J Mcdermott

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On "Bloody Sunday", marchers pass over the Edmund Pettus Bridge, March 7, 1965. Spider Martin: "No one had any idea of what was about to happen. Hosea [Williams] told me at the Savannah Civil...

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African American background. SELMA is a very moving and inspirational  movie that portrays hope for African Americans and their rights to vote. SELMA was written by Paul Webb and directed by Ava Duvernay.  I found no stereotypes in the movie SELMA.

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The Blind Side portrays stereotypes of Leigh Anne Tuohy being a mostly white Republican snob. But she proves this stereotype to be wrong when she responds to the nudging of God to take in a troubled young man by the name of Michael Oher. It also portrays a stereotype on African Americans being incapable of making good decisions. This movie is very inspirational and moving and it gives hope to all.

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'In a Heartbeat': The Tuohy Family Story

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The family behind "The Blind Side" has written a book about its experiences.

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Based on the true story of Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy who take in a homeless teenage African-American, Michael "Big Mike" Oher. Michael has no idea who his father is and his mother is a drug addict. Michael has had little formal education and few skills to help him learn. Leigh Anne soon takes charge however, as is her nature, ensuring that the young man has every opportunity to succeed. When he expresses an interest in football, she goes all out to help him, including giving the coach a few ideas on how best to use Michael's skills. They not only provide him with a loving home, but hire a tutor to help him improve his grades to the point where he would qualify for an NCAA Division I athletic scholarship. Michael Oher was the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft.

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IN THESE GROUPS

"It's true that we can't help the circumstances we're born into and some of us start out in a much tougher place than other people. But just because we started there doesn't mean we have to end there."

"I would have dreams all the time about me playing in the NFL. Every day I woke up, I said to myself ... I'm going to work hard ... to get to that next level."

"I came so far-from nothing to a Super Bowl championship."

"Believe me, I still think, 'Wow! This is crazy!' every time I check my bank statement."

"I always felt that I was ... smart. I just didn't have a lot of the resources that everybody else had ... It was tough for me to catch up."

"It was unbelievable just to ... walk across the stage and shake the principal's hand. I was the first one...out of anybody that I ever knew to ... graduate ... It was ... a great experience."

"I just love football. Football is what got me here. That's the reason I'm here. Everything else is second."

"I understand there are a lot of people I've inspired across the world. I'm trying to embrace that a lot better than I have in the past."

"Life is always about maturing and becoming a better version of yourself. Even after you've beaten the odds, there is still room to grow."

"I'm tired of the movie ['The Blind Side']. Football is what got me here, and the movie, it wasn't me."

Michael Oher is an NFL football player with the Baltimore Ravens. He was the subject of Michael Lewis's book 'The Blind Side' and the 2009 film of the same name.

Synopsis

Michael Oher was born on May 28, 1986, in Memphis, Tennessee. He came from a broken home and his estranged father was murdered while Oher was in high school. Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy became Oher's legal guardians and he developed into a college football star and a top NFL draft pick. Oher's story was told in Michael Lewis's book The Blind Side and the Sandra Bullock film of the same name.

Early Life

Football star Michael Oher was born Michael Jerome Williams Jr. on May 28, 1986, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was one of 12 children born to Michael Jerome Williams Sr. and Denise Oher, who provided their children with little to no support. Michael Sr. was frequently in prison, and Denise was addicted to crack cocaine. As a result, Michael Jr. was in-and-out of foster homes and frequently homeless. He also performed poorly as a student, repeating first grade and second grade and attending 11 different schools during his first nine years as a student. Oher's estranged father, was murdered while Oher was a senior in high school.

Turning Point

The young boy was finally taken in by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy when he was 16, and the Tuohys became Oher's legal guardians when he was 17. In his junior year, Oher began to excel in football. By the beginning of his senior year, Oher was the starting left tackle on the varsity football team. He quickly became a top football prospect in the state of Tennessee, which led to multiple scholarship offers from Division 1 schools.

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IN THESE GROUPS "It's true that we can't help the circumstances we're born into and some of us start out in a much tougher place than other people. But just because we started there doesn't mean we have to end there." "I would have dreams all the time about me playing in the NFL.

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Most will recognize Oher's name from the 2009 critically-acclaimed movie The Blind Side, which told the story of how the formerly homeless teen was taken in by a wealthy Memphis, Tennessee family who introduced him to football - a sport that not only helped him to go to college, but landed him a career in the NFL as a first-round draft pick.

However, since the film's release, Oher's career has plummeted and he has been cut from two different teams in the past six years
While at training camp with his current team, the Carolina Panthers, on Wednesday, Oher was involved in a fight with defensive end Kony Ealy.

When asked if the fight has anything to do with proving his worth after back-to-back struggling seasons, Oher pinned his problems on the movie.

'I’m not trying to prove anything,' Oher told ESPN. People look at me, and they take things away from me because of a movie. They don’t really see the skills and the kind of player I am. That’s why I get downgraded so much, because of something off the field."