Watch This When You're High - Rare Bob Marley Documentary On The 40th Anniversary Of His Death

Bob Marley was just 36 years old when he died of cancer on this day in 1981. Melanoma in his toe had spread to his lungs and brain, resulting in a cruel and painful death for the beloved musician and activist.

Marley was born in 1945 to a white middle-class father and a black mother, in Jamaica.

His childhood was spent in poverty and he had little contact with his father, a naval officer who worked for the British government.

He left home at 14 years old to pursue a music career in Kingston.

In 1972, Marley arrived in Britain with his band The Wailers to tour with Johnny Nash in the hope of launching his international career.

The following year, The Wailers released their album Catch a Fire and made their television debut on the BBC.

After another tour in 1975, a recording of No Woman No Cry live at The Lyceum, London, was released as a single and gave Marley his first UK hit.

From that point on Marley became a fixture in the musical mainstream and became a household name.

He left a lasting impact on the world he left, which is still felt today. His music not only lived on but seems to become more and more honored every year. His message of peace and love also echoes throughout his songs, and in his teachings.

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