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Gleaner Classics

PHOTO FLASHBACK: Bob Marley Funeral – May 21, 1981

Published:Friday | May 21, 2021 | 2:24 AMA Digital Integration & Marketing production
Grief is mirrored on the faces of Marley's mother Miss Cedella Booker and one of the sons, Ziggy, as they witnessed the funeral service at the National Arena.
A section of the large crowd outside of the National Arena.
Leader of the Opposition, Michael Manley reading the second lesson at the funeral of Bob Marley at the National Arena on May 21, 1981.
Members of the Rastafarian cult with the casket of their departed brother.
A close-up view of the casket bearing the body of Bob Marley, at the funeral service in the National Arena on May 21, 1981.
Rita Marley (centre), wide of Bob Marley, teamed up with other members of the “I Threes”, Judy Mowatt (left) and Marcia Griffiths, to sign two of Bob’s songs at the funeral service at the National Arena on May 21, 1981.
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Bob Marley’s final resting place, the sleepy village of Alexandria, stands in stark contrast to the larger-than-life existence of the 36-year-old. And maybe in stark contrast to the attention the first of his two funerals on May 21, 1981 garnered some 55 miles away.


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