New book on Bob Marley hit stores

NEW YORK, USA — A new book on Reggae legend Bob Marley, hit bookstores in the United States last week.

The book, a predominantly pictorial composition, is the work of renowned international photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker, and husband Jeff. The pictures were shot by Kim who was then an underground photojournalist, at a time when Jeff was working as the United States head of publicity for Island Records, which was then Marley's record label.

Gottlieb-Walker, who had extraordinary access to many of the leading Reggae artistes and producers in the 1970s, is believed to be the first outsider to have photographed Marley and those around him.

The new book contains pictures of the reggae king, which has never before been seen nor published.

It includes commentaries by Roger Steffens, founding editor of The Beat magazine, and a foreword by Cameron Crowe, Hollywood film-maker and Rolling Stone writer.

Entitled Bob Marley and The Golden Age of Reggae, 1975-1976, the book also contains vivid quotes about Marley, and captures the rise and evolution of reggae, with an unparalleled insight into some of the music's most iconic artistes of that era.

These include Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, Toots and The Maytals, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, The Heptones, Inner Circle, Jacob Miller, Burning Spear, Jimmy Cliff, George Harrison and Third World among others.

In a telephone interview from her home in California, Gottlieb-Walker said she was motivated to write the book after "reflecting on the development of reggae over several years and where the music is today."

Husband Jeff added, "It is also a tribute to the Marley family and those who have made an immense contribution to the genre."

Gottilieb-Walker said there was "no plans to promote the book in Jamaica at this time, but I would like to contribute to the Marley Charity which bears the name of one of his hit songs, One Love."

The book is published by United Kingdom-based Titan Books and is being distributed in the US by Ramdon House.

source : the observer