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No Woman No Cry - Rita Marley

Marley tells whole truth in frank new biography

Reggae singer/songwriter Bob Marley became an international superstar and voice of hope and protest before his life was tragically cut short by cancer at 36 in 1981. But like many great artists, Marley was an extremely complex person, and separating fact from fiction about his personality and lifestyle has grown more difficult in the decades since his death.

His widow Rita Marley's new book No Woman No Cry - My Life With Bob Marley (Hyperion) offers a frank and loving portrait of the reggae superstar, one that doesn't sanitize or excuse his failings while offering readers a compelling and informative behind-the-scenes look at an undeniably great figure.

Alfarita Constantia Anderson married Marley in 1966 at 19 (he was 21). The two remained together until his death, and always maintained close ties despite Marley's frequent infidelity. The closeness of their bond is evident not only in her descriptions of both the good and bad times in their relationship, but also by the fact that at every critical juncture in his life Bob sought Rita's advice. When longtime musical associates Bunny Wailer and Peter Tosh split from the group at the end of Marley's first contract with Island, it was Rita Marley who helped put things back together. She joined with her friends Judy Mowatt and Marcia Griffiths to form the I-Threes, and they provided vital harmony vocals and touring support that helped expand Bob Marley's popularity during the '70s.

But long before he achieved worldwide fame, Bob Marley endured many tough times. Rita shared these with him, willingly shouldering a disproportionate amount of family burdens and taking charge of raising their children while her husband sought musical stardom. Even before their marriage, Rita demonstrated her spirit and resolve. She got involved in the Jamaican music industry as a teenager and was even part of a successful music group, The Soulettes. She constantly ignored family pressure and scorn to remain married to Bob, refusing to abandon him and break up their family despite his frequent roaming. She survived periods with little or no money plus being frequently uprooted with small children, and eventually the couple saw their longtime dreams of success fulfilled.

Sadly, just when Bob Marley reached the top, he was diagnosed with inoperable cancer in 1980. A few years before that, a Miami doctor had told him his cancer could be stopped if he were willing to have an infected toe amputated. But Marley refused, and by the time of the second diagnosis it had spread throughout his body. Rita Marley graphically details the final, anguish-ridden months of her husband's life, as well as the ugly aftermath of his death, when former friends, associates and comrades emerged seeking part of his estate.

Rita Marley has since become a highly respected, prosperous business executive and philanthropist, while also resuming her musical career. The final portion of the book spotlights her fight to preserve her husband's legacy, and the decision to become manager of the musical group started by his children, the Melody Makers.

No Woman No Cry is not just the story of a memorable relationship and historic career, but it's also a moving tale chronicling a strong woman's personal salvation and triumph.