Neville Garrick—Art Director And Friend Of Bob Marley—Dead At 73

Neville Garrick, friend and former art director for Bob Marley, has passed away. He was 73. 

In a statement on Instagram on November 15, Garrick’s family said he passed after brief fight with cancer. “With profound sadness, we inform you of the peaceful transition of our beloved Neville, after a brief but brave fight with cancer,” the statement began. “Your prayers for our family during this challenging time are deeply appreciated as we come to terms with this great loss.”

The statement added: “Neville was a Jamaican graphic artist and visual designer, renowned for his extraordinary contributions to the world of music and art.”

“He was most recognized for his Award Winning work as Art Director for Bob Marley, creating timeless artwork covers and designs that are still being recognized globally today. One Love.”

He is best known for creating the art work for many Bob Marley covers, and designed the backdrops for the Reggae Sunsplash festival for much of the 1980s. Garrick also worked with Burning Spear and Steel Pulse, and is credited as the author of  A Rasta’s Pilgrimage: Ethiopian Faces and Places (1999).

The official account for the Bob Marley Museum also issued a statement to mark Garrick’s passing.

It partially spoke to the closeness of the legendary artist and King of Reggae.

“…He often traveled with Bob and remained a close and supportive friend of the Marley family for many decades. Neville, we will miss your lighthearted energy.”

Garrick and Bob were so close that he was able to comment on just how much the Reggae superstar wished to “build a stronger bridge between black Americans and their fellow transplanted Africans in the Caribbean.”

In  The Book of Exodus: The Making and Meaning of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ Album of the Century , Garrick is quoted as saying, “Bob look[ed] at the oppressed black people in America, 12% of the American population, and 90% of its prison population. He had to mobilize those people and get them involved in the ‘Movement of Jah people.’ That is where Bob Marley felt his legitimacy lay. Make the connection, bring them all together and then you have the great exodus”, Garrick said.

Garrick’s daughter Naomi, the founder of PR Chicks, also took to social media to pay tribute to her father, with whom she spent time during his last days.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness also took a moment to reflect on Garrick’s legacy. In his post, he said, “…His timeless creations continue to resonate globally, a testament to his enduring legacy.”

Earlier this year, Garrick was bestowed with the Order of Distinction, Commander Class for contribution to Jamaica’s music, art and culture locally and internationally.