Marley And Me: The Real Bob Marley Story [Paperback]

Don Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1995

Since Bob Marley died in 1981, the myths and legends which surround his life have continued to grow. Only one man knows the truth. Marley's confidante and manager Don Taylor, tells the real story behind Marley.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Marred by meandering narration and boundless self-aggrandizement, this memoir by Bob Marley's manager does little to demythologize the late, great reggae superstar. Though Taylor dutifully addresses Marley's life before their association, this is an edited version of transcripts of his taped memoirs, and Taylor comes across as more interested in hearing himself talk. Readers will learn more about Taylor's childhood in Kingston's Trench Town and his rise in the music business than about Marley's childhood and early career. Taylor makes much of the deal-brokering that goes on in the recording industry and of his proclivity for it: "Thanks to my shrewd management and teamwork, Bob's stature was growing" is just one example. Taylor does capture Bob Marley's navigation of Jamaica's incendiary political landscape in the 1970s, and the story of the attempt on Marley's life is well told (Taylor was seriously injured in the attempt). But Taylor's efforts to offer insight into Marley's personal life would be laughable if they weren't so embarrassingly bad, as when, in describing Bob and Rita Marley tending to their dreadlocks, Taylor opines, "To see them lighting up their spliffs during this combing ritual was a beautiful sight." Get the boxed set instead. Discography. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Taylor, manager of such acts as Martha and the Vandellas and most recently Soul II Soul, writes about the rise of reggae great Bob Marley (1945-81). After outlining the parallels between his and Marley's youths, Taylor details his experiences as Marley's manager from 1975 to 1981, including the late 1976 assassination attempt on the musician in which Taylor was seriously wounded. Though adding few insights into Marley's music, the author offers an interesting portrayal of Marley, describing him as an ironic figure: a devoted father with an entourage of women; a multi-millionaire who traveled on tour with only a duffel bag of belongings; and a musician who hoped to unite warring political factions into religious unity. He also provides an insider's view of the music business, including cutthroat financial dealings, political machinations, and the Mafia connection. Recommended for those interested in Bob Marley and the social dimension of popular music.?David Szatmary, Univ. of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barricade Books (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569800448
• ISBN-13: 978-1569800447
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,005,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars No Reputable Supporter Would Have Written This, April 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Marley And Me: The Real Bob Marley Story (Paperback)

The late Taylor's role in the Marley saga has always been suspect, whether pushing Bob's widow into signing a false will--and getting a kickback from the opposition for his efforts--(as disclosed in the Cayman Music court case) to reportedly embezzling Marley's tour money. A hateful book by someone undeserving of trust.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars most accurate and best of the marley books by far, December 2, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Palm Springs, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Marley And Me: The Real Bob Marley Story (Paperback)

I produced "BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS LIVE! AT THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BOWL" and met Don Taylor, the principal manager in Marley's career. Unlike other biographers, Taylor saw Marley as a man, not as an icon, and so his portrait of Marley is the most realistic. Devious, cunning, brilliant,destructive, Taylor rode the Marly wave on the way up from the Kingston days, took the bullits for Bob in the famous murder attempt in '77, and ultimately fell out with the legend over accusations of embezzlement. Taylor really knew Marley, and his biography of the genius has a bitter edge that makes for great and insightful reading.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Handler's Tale Is Bad News About HIM, May 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Marley And Me: The Real Bob Marley Story (Paperback)

Marley's first mistake was to put his faith in Taylor. A classic tale of a manager's betrayal. The author's come off as a monster, even though he tries to build himself into someone more important even than Bob. Sadder than sad. Marley wrote a song about this guy called "Bad Card."