Bob Marley’s Father, Norval Marley Biography: Wikipedia, Career, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Children

Norval Sinclair Marley, best known as the father of legendary musician Bob Marley, was a white Jamaican of British descent who served as a private in the British Army during World War I.

While little is widely documented about his personal life, he is primarily recognized for his connection to his son, Bob Marley, the iconic Jamaican singer, songwriter, and guitarist who is regarded as a pioneer of reggae music, blending elements of reggae, ska, and rocksteady.

Profile

• Full Name: Norval Sinclair Marley
• Stage Name: Norval Sinclair Marley
• Born: 1885
• Date of death: 1955 (Aged: 70 years)
• Birthplace: Clarendon Parish, Jamaica
• Nationality: Jamaican
• Occupation: Former British army
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Albert Thomas Marley and Ellen Ann Broomfield
• Siblings: Robert A. Marley
• Spouse: Cedella Editha Marley Booker (m. 1944-?)
• Children: Bob Marley
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Norval Sinclair Marley was born in Jamaica in 1885 and was originally from Clarendon Parish, Jamaica. He was the son of Albert Thomas Marley and Ellen Ann Broomfield and had at least one sibling, Robert A. Marley.

He received his education in Jamaica before enlisting as a private in the British Army. Following his military service, he worked as a plantation overseer and land manager in Jamaica. Ethnically, Norval was of mixed heritage, with both English and Jamaican ancestry. However, details about his religious beliefs remain largely undocumented.

Career

Norval Sinclair Marley had a relatively modest and obscure career, but he is primarily recognized for his connection to his influential son, Bob Marley. About his son, Bob Marley‘s career began in 1963 when he co-founded The Wailers alongside Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer.

Their early sound blended ska, rocksteady, and reggae, earning them local success with hits like Simmer Down. In 1965, they released their debut album, The Wailing Wailers, featuring the timeless song One Love. By the early 1970s, after signing with Island Records, the group evolved into Bob Marley and the Wailers.

Their breakthrough albums, Catch a Fire (1973) and Burnin’ (1973), introduced them to an international audience, with tracks like Get Up, Stand Up and I Shot the Sheriff—the latter of which gained global recognition through Eric Clapton‘s popular cover.

Marley‘s influence grew with albums such as Natty Dread (1974) and Rastaman Vibration (1976), which introduced Rastafarian themes to a broader audience. In 1976, following an assassination attempt in Jamaica, he relocated to London, where he recorded Exodus (1977).

The album remained on the UK charts for 56 weeks and featured classics like Jamming and One Love. His subsequent album, Kaya (1978), displayed a softer side with love songs such as Is This Love.

Marley‘s powerful presence extended beyond music—he performed at landmark events like the Smile Jamaica Concert and Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations in 1980, further cementing his status as a cultural icon. In his final years, Marley released Uprising (1980), featuring profound tracks like Redemption Song alongside upbeat hits like Could You Be Loved.

Despite being diagnosed with cancer in 1977, he continued touring, drawing massive crowds worldwide. His untimely passing in 1981 at age 36 did not diminish his impact; he remains a pioneering figure in reggae music and a global symbol of peace, unity, and resistance.

Marley‘s legacy endures through posthumous honors, including his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and continued recognition for his lasting influence on music and culture.

Social Media

• Norval Sinclair Marley does not have a social media account

Personal Life

Norval Sinclair Marley was married to Cedella Editha Marley Booker, an Afro-Jamaican woman. The couple wed in 1944 when Norval was around 60 years old, while Cedella was just 18. Their marriage resulted in the birth of their only child, Nesta Robert “Bob” Marley.

However, their union was short-lived, as they separated soon after Bob‘s birth due to societal pressures and disapproval from Norval‘s family. There are no known records of Norval having any other children from this or any other relationship.

Net Worth

Norval Sinclair Marley‘s net worth remains unknown, as there is no specific information available regarding his financial status.

In contrast, his son, Bob Marley, a reggae singer, songwriter, and musician, amassed a net worth of $11.5 million at the time of his passing in 1981.