January 26, 2015

Reggae godfather Bob Marley would have been 70-years old this February. And though the singer-songwriter-voice of peace isn’t here today, the world is hosting birthday bashes and releasing covers in his honor.

Israeli artists have uploaded half a dozen Marley-inspired versions to social media.  The group a cappella version of ‘Could You Be Loved’ has scored the greatest success:

The biggest Marley birthday bash in Israel is set for January 31, at the famous Hangar 11 club in Tel Aviv.

The Internet is bursting with red-yellow-green invitations to global parties in Marley’s honor.

Brazil celebration photo here; credit: http://www.euagito.com.br/v8/?page=detalhes&evento=12407)
Brazil celebration photo here; credit: http://www.euagito.com.br/v8/?page=detalhes&evento=12407)

The world’s best-known Rastafarian was born February 6, 1945.

Jamaica, his home country, is gearing up for a six-day international celebration. Organizers of the event in the beach town of Negril say Marley’s family will unveil private footage of Marley in concert at the happening.

Loop Jamaica. Credit: http://loopjamaica.com/2015/01/14/latest-jamaica-entertainment-spirit-of-bob-marley-lives-on/
Loop Jamaica. Credit: http://loopjamaica.com/2015/01/14/latest-jamaica-entertainment-spirit-of-bob-marley-lives-on/

In addition to parties and cover versions, social media wouldn’t be whole without a few fitting memes.

Argentine Marxist revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara came back from the dead to wish Marley happy returns:

Che Marley. Credit: http://www.derekerdman.com/2012/february_2012/what_it_does/CHE_MARLEY.jpg
Che Marley. Credit: http://www.derekerdman.com/2012/february_2012/what_it_does/CHE_MARLEY.jpg

Gene Wilder, as Willy Wonka, gives this advice to any Marley fan:

 

Gene Wilder. Credit:  http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/36drhz
Gene Wilder. Credit: http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/36drhz

And the punsters are out in full force for this special day:

Raccoon. Credit: http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/35t36f
Raccoon. Credit: http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/35t36f

 

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