Bob Marley in running for national hero

Members of Bob Marley's estate are currently lobbying the Jamaican government in efforts to have the legendary reggae singer proclaimed a national hero, the country's highest honor.

According to the Associated Press (AP), The Bob Marley Foundation is the organization behind the campaign. The foundation is also looking to have Marley's birthday, February 6, declared a national holiday.

Although past efforts to recognize Marley as a national hero have failed, there has been a massive resurgence in support for Marley and a renewed interest in his music during recent years. 'One Love' was recently named the anthem of the century by the BBC, and Time magazine has recognized “Exodus” as the album of the century.

Members of the Bob Marly Foundation are hoping this support and interest will help the musician receive the recognition they feel he deserves.

"Anywhere you go in the world the first thing people think of when they hear Jamaica is Bob Marley," Jacqueline Knight-Campbell, organizer of the campaign for the Bob Marley Foundation told AP, "he has inspired so many people with his songs so it's time for us to step up and take Bob's recognition to a higher level."

To date a mere seven individuals have been named national heroes, these include black civil rights leader Marcus Garvey and former prime minister Alexander Bustamante.

Born in 1945, Marley rose from the gritty shanty towns of Kingston to worldwide stardom in the 1970s with hits like 'No Woman, No Cry' and 'I Shot the Sheriff.'

He has received countless musical accolades, inspired millions with his message of "one love" and is even hailed as a prophet by some.

Marley was awarded Jamaica's third highest honor, the Order of Merit, at age 36 in 1981, one month before he died.
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