Teen Years

Bunny Livingston

During Bob’s teenage years, he moved to Kingston, the capitol of Jamaica, with his mother. They settled in a shanty little town within Kingston called Trench Town.  After attending the Stepney School in Kinston, Bob spent time acquiring a trade as a welder.  At the age of 14, Marley met Bunny Livingston and dropped out of school.  Bunny became one of the most influential people he would have in his life.  Later, Marley’s mother and Livingston’s father began living together, and this union proved to be important.  Senior Livingston introduced Marley to musical instruments by teaching him to play the guitar.  To escape his harsh surroundings, Marley got lost in music, preferring the Motown sounds of popular singers such as Ray Charles and Fats Domino.  Bob developed his love for singing in the church choir and through the encouragement from his friend Desmond Dekker. His teenage years sparked the beginning of a passion for music and a big music career.