Bob Marley: The Billion Dollar Rasta
Sunday, April 15, 2012 at 9:07AM
Bob Marley grew up in a slum with no electricity. Today, his legacy is worth a billion dollars--and growing. From the New York Post:
Once known mostly as the patron saint of college dorm rooms, Marley is now going high-end. Gone are the days of chintzy trinkets with Marley’s name on them in favor of selling the singer as a “lifestyle” brand...
“It’s been an evolution,” says Courtney White, a brand manager for the Marley family, which controls the rastaman’s empire. “What they were doing four years ago were more souvenir items: a lot of lighters, apparel. We’ve moved away from that in favor of products that focus on every aspect of your life.”
House of Marley recently introduced a line of electronics, including earbud and over-ear headphones with names like Zion and Exodus. (Prices range from $30 to $300.) There’s also the $350 “Get Up, Stand Up” iPod dock, a new line of swimwear, and watches and bags will come later in 2012.
Last year, Marley Beverage Company launched Marley’s Mellow Mood sodas and teas, made with herbs such as valerian root and chamomile that are said to have a calming effect.
And now there's the movie on Bob's life due to open in theatres on Friday (on 4/20, naturally). Marleyophiles are most interested in it because it's been so difficult to make such a documentary.
There's precious little archival films and nagging issues over music publishing. And let's not forget that Marley had 11 children by seven different women and never left a will.
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Last year, Marley Beverage Company launched Marley’s Mellow Mood sodas and teas, made with herbs such as valerian root