Bob Marley – 5th Richest Dead Celebrity – Forbes

Bob Marley has been reflected as Forbes 5th richest dead celebrity of 2013.

Marley rounded off the top five with earnings of a whopping $18 million.

During his life, Bob Marley was mostly praised for his musical exploits, but in death, the name and brand of the iconic reggae singer has formed the greater part of a capitalist enterprise.

From Bob Marley shoes and messenger bags to Bob Marley coffee, the iconic reggae star wasn’t known for his capitalist tendencies, but in death, his brand has been extending its reach.

Recent ventures include the Marley Beverage Company (home to the ‘relaxation drink’ known as Marley’s Mellow Mood) and House of Marley (producer of eco-friendly audio and lifestyle products). Marley has sold more than 75 million albums in the past two decades.

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was number one on the list, earning over $125 million between June 2012 and June 2013.

Bob Marley had missed the Forbes list in early 2009. However, Marley, who died from cancer in 1981, was a fixture on the list from 2001 to 2008. He reached as high as sixth in 2001 with earnings of US$10 million.

In January of this year, New York University’s (NYU) Tisch School of Arts in lower Manhattan announced that they would be offering a course that would focus on the life and times of Bob Marley and his influence on post-colonial music.

Bob Marley was also recognised this year at the prestigious Grammy Awards ceremony held in the United States. A scene in the 2007 blockbuster film I Am Legend was also dedicated to the late reggae icon. It was narrated by award-winning actor Will Smith.

“Bob Marley almost had a virologist way of thinking. He believed that you can cure-actually cure hate and racism, but injecting it with love and music. Two days before Bob Marley was supposed to perform he was shot. Two days later, he walked on stage and performed and they asked him in an interview why didn’t he rest, and he said the people that are trying to make the world worse never take a day off, why should I light up the darkness.” He said