‘His legacy lives on’ — tributes pour in for Bob Marley 39 years after death

Tributes on Monday flooded in for Robert Nesta Marley, Jamaican singer and songwriter better known as Bob Marley, 39 years after his death.

The ‘Rastafari icon’ died on May 11, 1981, after battling with acral lentiginous melanoma for four years.

His contributions to music increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide and made him a global figure in popular culture for over a decade. He was also controversial in his outspoken support for the legalization of marijuana.

‘Legend’, an album compilation of his greatest hits, was released in 1984 and became the best-selling reggae album of all time.

Marley also ranks as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of more than 75 million records worldwide.

He was posthumously honoured with a designated order of merit by his country soon after his death. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Rolling Stone ranked him No. 11 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Fans across the globe have taken to social media platforms especially Twitter to celebrate the 39th anniversary of his death as they shared photos and videos of his performances.

They have also shared quotes from some of his songs in remembrance of the music icon.

“On this day, 11 May 1981, Bob Marley passed away at the age of 36. His legacy lives on. RIP #BobMarley,” a fan wrote.

“Today (11th May) is the 39th Death Anniversary of Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley We missed you dearly Bob. Rest in Peace & Love,” another fan wrote.

Here are some tributes from fans around the world:

On this day, 11 May 1981, Bob Marley passed away at the age of 36. His legacy lives on. RIP #BobMarley 😞 pic.twitter.com/qPp3FuOZJj

— SEGA L'éveilleur®🚨 (@segalink) May 11, 2020

Today (11th May) is the 39th Death Anniversary of Robert Nesta ‘Bob’ Marley

We missed you dearly Bob. Rest in Peace & Love! pic.twitter.com/kDrdayqjbI

— Rastafari Movement (@RastafariM) May 11, 2020

"The biggest coward is a man who awakens a woman's love with no intention of loving her."

~Bob Marley pic.twitter.com/KlJ96iup8N

— Aline-Bella RICHARDS🇷🇼🇧🇮🇴🇲 (@aline_bellarich) May 11, 2020

39 years ago today, we lost the legendary reggae singer Bob Marley. His legacy and messages of peace and unity still live on through his music.

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” —Bob Marley pic.twitter.com/E7TYpcqtK9

— AFRICAN & BLACK HISTORY (@africanarchives) May 11, 2020

Exactly 39 years today since Bob Marley died… His legend lives on. 🔌 pic.twitter.com/ur56CkYC0N

— Green (@greenaugustus44) May 11, 2020

Bob Marley passed 39 years ago today but his music still lives on❤️ pic.twitter.com/PuUQC3o8cl

— Nungua Cardi B💕 (@elly_serwaaa) May 11, 2020

On this day Bob Marley passed on…happy Marley day everyone
I titled this "High Notes" pic.twitter.com/C91Gkxvk1R

— SARC-ART-sm (@Elroyz_) May 11, 2020

"Open your eyes, look within. Are you satisfied with the life you're living?"
– Bob Marley pic.twitter.com/7Px0Yo6iU9

— BONITO 🗡 (@wthtahell) May 11, 2020

" The problem is people are being hated when they are real, and are being loved when they are fake."
_BOB Marley

Bob Marley has blessed us wiv his music for only a short period of time but his music & words will last forever✊.
What are ur favorite Bob Marley's quotes/sayings? pic.twitter.com/7O5Cw5Fdf3

— Naguceka🏋 (@Akanyange_kera) May 11, 2020

While on his deathbed in 1981, 'Bob Marley' looked at his son, Ziggy, directly in the eyes and said: “Money can’t buy life.” Those were his last words. pic.twitter.com/cZoCmoIDx6

— mwitito EBS.MBS (@mwitimagiri) May 10, 2020

“Don’t gain the world and lose your soul. Wisdom is better than silver and gold.” Bob Marley in Zion Train, from the album Uprising (1980). pic.twitter.com/AfdcXDA08b

— Comrade Désiré (@ncambirwa) May 11, 2020

If she's amazing, she won't be easy. If she's easy, she won't be amazing. If she's worth it, you wont give up. If you give up, you're not worthy. … Truth is, everybody is going to hurt you; you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for. Bob Marley. pic.twitter.com/AAfloMGQEU

— Scholar (@the_scholar1) May 11, 2020

today is exactly 39years the legend BOB MARLEY passed at age 36😔😔😔….but His legacy still lives on…😎😍😍…roll a blunt or two to celebrate a legend if you can🤣🤣😊🤣

— Your_Next_boyfriend🌹 (@egyptian_celeb) May 11, 2020

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively." ~ Bob Marley

Remembering Bob Marley, May 11. pic.twitter.com/qVEDtBiDyj

— Comrade Désiré (@ncambirwa) May 10, 2020

Remembering bob Marley on this day. Rest on my hero. The world miss you as usual. Rest on. Rest on. Rest on pic.twitter.com/5TbmqsKG9x

— Marc ogie (@MarcOgie) May 11, 2020

I still vibe to Bob Marley songs till date… Legend, Keep resting!!! pic.twitter.com/KbVryK2x9N

— UK Chi (@uk_ukchi) May 11, 2020

“Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.” – Bob Marley pic.twitter.com/MnpbAJtt2N

— Patrick Clawson (@PatrickClawson) May 10, 2020

Bob Marley radiated a lot of positive energy in his music a true legend

— K T A R T H U R (@Tamalearthur) May 10, 2020

Thought for the evening:

"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice." – – – – Bob Marley

— Terry Pelz ⚖ (@TerryPelz) May 8, 2020

The day you stop racing, is the day you win the race. – Bob Marley #quote pic.twitter.com/LtsXwkP8No

— Bearded Cigars (@BeardedCigars) May 7, 2020

Some people are so poor, all they have is money.

–Bob Marley.

— Mrs Bond 💙🌿 (@NawaMk1) May 7, 2020

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain” – Bob Marley pic.twitter.com/0sQo3w3MSL

— Alex vibes (@Alanz97) May 7, 2020