Rita Marley who was born on July 25 1946 is a remarkable Cuban-Jamaican singer and entrepreneur also widely known for being the wife of reggae legend Bob Marley.
Raised in Kingston, Jamaica, she co-founded the Soulettes and later became a crucial member of the I Threes, the backing vocalists for Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Her musical journey includes rocksteady tunes and soulful tracks recorded with the Wailers.
After Bob’s passing in 1981, Rita took charge of his legacy, managing Tuff Gong Studios and expanding the Marley empire.
Beyond music, she is a philanthropist, founding the Rita Marley Foundation to alleviate poverty.
Rita Marley’s enduring impact on reggae and her commitment to humanitarian efforts make her a true icon.
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Meet Rita Marley Sister Jeanette and Diane
Rita Marley’s sisters, Jeanette and Diane, have also made significant contributions to the music industry, showcasing their talents as singers and performers.
Born in 1967, Jeanette Söderholm is a Swedish singer of Jamaican origin. Alongside Diane, the two sisters formed the musical duo Dayeene in 1990, releasing club albums like “United Soul Power.”
Notably, they worked with renowned producers Denniz Pop and Douglas Carr at Cheiron Studios on tracks like “Is This Love (Compusex)” in 1994.
Jeanette, besides her work with Dayeene, served as an in-house backing vocalist at Cheiron Studios, contributing her vocal talents to various artists’ albums.
Her impressive resume includes collaborations with Ace of Base, Army of Lovers, Britney Spears, E-Type, Rednex, and Robyn.
The widow of reggae legend Bob Marley, Rita has been an influential figure in the reggae scene.
Together, Rita, Jeanette, and Diane share a familial bond that intertwines their musical journey.
Now performing under her married name Jeanette von der Burg, is married to Swedish producer and songwriter Jonas von der Burg.
This union has likely influenced her continued involvement in the music industry, showcasing the intergenerational impact of musical talent within the Marley family.
Rita Marley Family Tree
Rita Marley’s family tree is proof of the rich and diverse legacy she has cultivated throughout her life.
Born Alfarita Constantia Anderson in Santiago de Cuba, Rita’s journey encompasses not only her iconic marriage to reggae legend Bob Marley but also extends to her children, grandchildren, and the broader Marley clan.
Her parents, Leroy Anderson and Cynthia “Beda” Jarrett moved to Kingston, Jamaica, shortly after her birth.
Raised in Trenchtown, Rita’s early musical endeavors included being a founding member of the Soulettes, a vocal group that released rocksteady tunes in the 1960s.
In 1966, Rita married Bob Marley, marking the beginning of a legendary union.
Together, they had three children: Cedella, David Nesta (Ziggy), and Stephen. Rita’s eldest daughter, Sharon, born in 1964 from a previous relationship, was adopted by Bob after their marriage.
The couple’s other children include Stephanie, adopted by Bob, and Serita, born after Bob’s passing.
The Marley children, influenced by their parents’ musical legacy, went on to form Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers in 1979, contributing to the reggae genre’s evolution.
Beyond her immediate family, Rita Marley’s commitment to philanthropy is evident.
She adopted 35 children in Ethiopia and supported over 200 children at the Konkonuru Methodist School in Ghana through the Rita Marley Foundation, founded in 2000.
Her dedication extends to various charitable initiatives, including providing scholarships to music students in Ghana and hosting the annual Africa Unite concerts.
In 1981, after Bob’s untimely death at 36, Rita assumed the role of preserving and expanding his legacy.
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