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Bob Marley Merch: The Best Gifts and Collectibles to Buy Right Now
From music to apparel to skateboards, here's how brands are celebrating Bob Marley's 75th birthday
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Bob Marley would have been 75 this year, and while the world-famous reggae star isn’t around to celebrate it, his influence is still felt strongly in popular music.
The Marley family is commemorating him with a series of yearlong events, which kicked off with the release of a new music video for “Redemption Song” earlier this month.
To mark the occasion, we’ve collected everything you’ll need to showcase your love for a true musical icon. Whether you’d like to add some of his music to your collection, want to pay tribute to him when you play guitar, or use headphones officially endorsed by his family, we’ve got you covered.
1. His Bestselling Album
It’s not an exaggeration to say Bob Marley’s Legend was a cultural landmark. The album, which was originally released in 1984, has sold more than 28 million copies worldwide.
Legend collects 14 tracks that cover Marley and the Wailers’ career from 1973’s Catch a Fire to 1983’s Confrontation. Yes, it’s a greatest-hits album, but it’s hard to argue with any album that has “Buffalo Soldier,” “Could You Be Loved,” “Jammin’,” “Three Little Birds,” and “No Woman, No Cry” on it.
If you’re more of a deep-cuts fan, we highly recommend The Complete Island Recordings, a 12-LP box set that collects nine full albums.
Bob Marley Legend, $22.01, available at Amazon
2. The Definitive Bob Marley Biography
Rolling Stone contributor Timothy White originally released Catch a Fire in 1983, shortly after Marley passed away. It’s been updated multiple times, most recently in 2006. This edition has an updated discography, additional edits, and was supervised by Marley’s widow.
The book explores Marley’s entire life, from his early days in Jamaica through his musical career. At 578 pages, there’s a good chance you’ll come across a few new facts about a musician you thought you knew well.
Catch a Fire: The Life of Bob Marley, $17.56, available at Amazon
3. The Ultimate Guide to Marley’s Music
If you’re interested in learning more about Bob Marley, but don’t want to commit to reading an extensive biography, Rolling Stone has just released a special Ultimate Music Guide, which chronicles his life and music.
The 96-page magazine features classic interviews, deep dives into the creation of his seminal albums, and an examination of his best-known songs. It also highlights 70 photos that capture every side of his personality. These are stories and photos you don’t find anywhere else.
Want more? See our ranking of Marley’s best songs, and scroll through more of his most iconic photos.
Rolling Stone’s Ultimate Guide to Bob Marley, $13.99, available at Amazon
4. A Live DVD From the Height of His Popularity
Many of us never had the chance to see Marley in concert, but Bob Marley and the Wailers Live at the Rainbow is a bittersweet substitute. The DVD showcases a concert from Marley’s 1977 tour supporting his hit album Exodus.
The entire show is full of Marley’s best-known songs, including “I Shot the Sheriff,” “No Woman, No Cry,” and “Get Up Stand Up.” Best of all, the show was mixed into 5.1 surround sound, which offers a more immersive experience to those with the right equipment.
As a bonus, the live show is paired with The Bob Marley Story, a BBC documentary from 1983, which includes more performances of classic songs, and interviews with members of Marley’s inner circle.
Bob Marley and the Wailers Live at the Rainbow, $19.98, available at Amazon
5. Sustainably-Made Headphones Approved by the Marley Family
House of Marley’s headphones aren’t trying to capitalize on a popular name — they’re actually made in collaboration with Bob Marley’s family. The entire line is made out of sustainably sourced materials, which is rare for a tech product.
The company has a whole portfolio of headphones, but it just released its first pair of totally wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the Redemption ANC, in honor of Marley’s birthday. Their standout feature is noise cancellation, which is something you don’t find in most totally wireless earbuds. They also have an “ambient” mode, which uses their built-in microphone to let outside noises — like car horns — in (essential for keeping safe while walking or biking on the road).
The Redemption ANC gets up to five hours of battery life per charge, but the earbuds charge when they’re in their carrying case. Combined, the case and earbuds give you 20 hours of music playback time. They’re also IPX-4 certified, which means they’re water-resistant enough to handle sweat, or being worn in the rain.
Best of all, House of Marley say they’re committed to planting 75,000 trees in Jamaica and Ethiopia this year in conjunction with the nonprofit One Tree Planet. A small proceed from your purchase will support this effort.
House of Marley Redemption ANC Headphones, $199.99, available at House of Marley
6. Sustainable Coffee
Bob Marley’s son Rohan started Marley Coffee after realizing the similarities between his family’s music making, and farmer’s planting and harvesting coffee beans. Both had a “natural rhythm,” which inspired this line of whole bean coffee, sustainably harvested from a farm in Ethiopia under a FAIRTRADE agreement that guarantees workers are treated fairly, and paid well. There are many roasts — available in whole bean, pre-ground, and pre-measured cup form — named after one of Bob Marley’s famous songs. There’s even a caffeine free option.
All roasts are made with sustainability in mind: They come in Ecocups, which can be recycled, and the caffeine free coffee is made without any added chemicals. Marley Coffee also partnered with One Tree Planted, the organization that aids in a global reforestation effort.
“One Love” Marley Coffee (6-Pack, 10oz), $39.99, available at Amazon
7. A “Rebel” Guitar Strap
Whether you play an electric or acoustic guitar, this strap will add a pop of color, and show off some Marley love. It’s made out of 100 percent cotton webbing, has genuine-leather ends, and a metal clip, so it’ll last you several years without fraying or showing other wear.
It can be adjusted from 35 to 58 inches, so it should fit you regardless of your height, or the style of your guitar (including a bass).
Bob Marley Guitar Strap, $21.99, available at Amazon
8. Bob Marley “REBEL MUSIC” Poster
Rebel Music, a song from Bob Marley’s 1974 album Natty Dread has become a popular phrase associated with his entire catalogue. This 30cm X 40cm poster, which has been printed to honor his 75th birthday, showcases Marley holding his guitar, and looking defiantly into the camera. It sums up his rebel status, and would be a staple piece in any music lover’s room.
Bob Marley “REBEL MUSIC” Poster, $40, available at Pyramid International
9. A T-Shirt Featuring One of His Most Powerful Lyrics
This T-Shirt, which includes a pensive picture of Marley and a quote from his song “Trenchtown Rock,” highlights his prolific, philosophical side. It’s made from 100 percent cotton and is available from S through XXL.
Bob Marley T-Shirt, from $17.99, available at Amazon
10. A Zippo Lighter
Zippo has recently released an entire line of official Bob Marley lighters. Each features a different photo or emblem of the singer’s music cast onto a metal frame. The fuel insight the lighter can be replaced, so you can carry it with you for a long time to serve as a constant reminder of Marley’s legacy.
Bob Marley Zippo, $32.45, available at Zippo
11. A Bob Marley Skateboard
Marley’s music has become synonymous with laid-back culture, which is why it made sense for Sector 9 to immortalize him on a longboard. The top-mounted board (that means the trucks are attached directly to the board) is made out of five-ply bamboo and features Marley-inspired artwork and text.
An important note: This board measures 32.5-by-8.375 inches — it’ll work best for people who are on the shorter side.
Sector 9 x Bob Marley Longboard, $100.95, available at Sector 9
12. A Distressed Marley Tee
Blue and Cream’s MADEWORN Bob Marley tee is a luxe way to show off your Marley love. Its graphic depicts Marley onstage, fully invested in his performance.
The T-shirt is made out of 100 percent cotton, is machine washable (cold water only), and it’s available in multiple sizes (XS-XXL). The relaxed fit and lightly distressed (a.k.a. slightly stretched) fabric makes for a casual-yet-cool look. As a bonus, this T-Shirt is made in the USA.
MADEWORN Bob Marley TEE, $160, available at BlueandCream
13. A Luxe T-Shirt
KAPITAL’s T-Shirt makes a nod to Marley’s posthumous compilation album Talkin’ Blues, which collects outtakes, studio recordings, live tracks, and interview segments. It’s part of the company’s KAPITAL SS19 line, which is inspired by Jamaican culture.
The shirt is made out of 100 percent breathable cotton, which makes it the ideal piece for hot, summer days. It’s available in three sizes (Mr Porter uses its own sizing system, but provides a size guide) and is machine washable.
KAPITAL Bob Marley T-Shirt, $190, available at Mr Porter
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