10 Of Bob Marley’s Most Covered Songs
Reggae legend Bob Marley‘s music, with its messages of love, unity, and social justice, has resonated with artists from every corner of the globe. This influence is perhaps best seen in the sheer number of times his songs have been covered by other musicians.
From other Reggae legends to Rock icons, countless artists have put their own stamp on Marley’s timeless classics. In this article, we’ll explore ten of Bob Marley’s most covered songs and their unique and notable interpretations.
1. No Woman, No Cry (1974)
Topping the list is the iconic No Woman, No Cry, a song covered a staggering 84 times, according to WhoSampled. This reggae masterpiece transcends genre, attracting the talents of legends like Jimmy Cliff, Fugees, and Bunny Wailer (Bob Marley’s bandmate in The Wailers), as well as contemporary stars like Tems and Shenseea, for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Bob Marley: One Love soundtracks, respectively. The Fugees’ version reached No. 2 on the UK Singles chart and No. 38 on the US Radio Songs chart, while Tems’ version reached No. 7 on the US Afrobeats Songs chart and No. 1 on the World Digital Song Sales chart.
The original song, which appeared on the 1974 album Natty Dread, reached No. 8 on the UK Singles chart. In 2022, it was certified Platinum in the UK, a testament to its lasting impact on music and culture worldwide.
2. I Shot The Sheriff (1973)
Another Marley staple, I Shot The Sheriff, has been reinterpreted a whopping 58 times. More than just a catchy tune, I Shot The Sheriff possesses a sly, rebellious undercurrent that continues to resonate with listeners today. The track, originally released on the album Burnin‘, owes some of its widespread popularity to Eric Clapton’s 1974 cover. Clapton’s version shot straight to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 that summer, becoming his only US chart-topping single. Interestingly, the cover’s success turned bittersweet for Marley. According to a 1985 biography by Stephen Davis, Clapton’s version received significantly more airplay in Jamaica than Marley’s own music at the time, reportedly infuriating the reggae legend. Davis wrote that Marley, along with his friend and tour manager Allan Cole, even confronted a Jamaican radio station about the imbalance in airplay.
American singer Screamin’ Jay Hawkins made the song his own with his powerful and unique singing style. Other artists as diverse as The Jackson 5, UB40, Inner Circle, Howard Stern, and Ken Boothe have all offered their interpretations, while Hip-Hop artist Warren G interpolated Marley’s chorus for his own rendition.
3. Redemption Song (1980)
Covered over 58 times, Redemption Song has attracted a range of artists seeking to capture its message of self-reliance and freedom. The track served as the closing number on Uprising, Bob Marley’s final studio album released in 1980, and a poignant farewell before his passing in 1981. Perhaps the most notable cover was the impromptu rendition that Joe Strummer from The Clash and Johnny Cash created while they were both in the studio. Barbados’ very own superstar Rihanna also covered the song as part of the Haiti relief in 2010, and we know how much RiRi loves Bob. Other musicians who had covered this track include Eddie Vedder and Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Bunny Wailer, Tessanne Chin, Square One, and American singer Leon Bridges for the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack.
4. Is This Love (1978)
Among the 47 covers of Is This Love, English singer Corinne Bailey Rae’s soulful rendition stands out. Released in 2010, her interpretation won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance. The original track first appeared on their 1978 album Kaya. It peaked at No. 9 on the UK Singles chart. The song’s message of love and commitment even inspired Bob Marley’s daughter Cedella to keep her father’s message alive through a book titled Is This Love? , released in November last year.
5. Could You Be Loved (1980)
Could You Be Loved has attracted a respectable 43 covers. While Joe Cocker’s rendition achieved moderate success, peaking at No. 86 on the UK Singles Chart, the original by Bob Marley and the Wailers soared much higher, reaching No. 5 in the UK. This poignant song, composed during the band’s final tour before Bob Marley’s passing in 1981, carries a deeper meaning. It samples lyrics from his very first single, “Judge Not,” reminding listeners: “The road of life is rocky; And you may stumble too. So while you point your fingers, someone else is judging you.” The track appeared on the band’s 12th album, Uprising, and recently achieved a double-platinum certification in the UK.
6. Three Little Birds (1977)
Three Little Birds, covered 38 times, brings a message of hope and optimism to the list. This feel-good anthem has attracted a diverse range of artists, including Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Connie Talbot, Ziggy Marley and Sean Paul, Bunny Wailer, Maroon 5, and most recently Kacey Musgraves for the Bob Marley: One Love movie soundtrack. Originally released on the landmark Exodus album in 1977, the song reached No. 17 on the UK Singles Chart. It has achieved double-platinum status in the UK.
7. Waiting In Vain (1977)
Waiting In Vain, an introspective song about longing and uncertainty, has resonated with artists across genres in 34 interpretations. Reggae veterans Cocoa Tea and Cutty Ranks offered a Dancehall take in their 1997 cover, while Annie Lennox delivered a powerful pop rendition in 1995 that reached No. 31 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1993, Jazz guitarist Lee Ritenour showcased the song’s versatility with a smooth instrumental version featuring Maxi Priest on vocals, which peaked at No. 54 on the Billboard R&B chart. More recently, Canadian crooner Daniel Caesar delivered his own heartfelt rendition for the Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack. The original version, released on the groundbreaking Exodus album in 1977, mirrored its lyrical themes by achieving a slow but steady climb on the UK Singles Chart, reaching No. 27. Just this September 2023, Waiting In Vain was certified Gold in the UK.
8. Get Up, Stand Up (1973)
Coming in with 32 covers is the empowering anthem Get Up, Stand Up. This rallying cry for social justice and personal empowerment has transcended its reggae roots, attracting a diverse range of artists for reinterpretations. Interestingly, the song itself has a unique history. Originally a Wailers song, written by Marley and Peter Tosh, it was later re-recorded and released by each of them on their solo albums, with slight variations in arrangement and lyrics. The most recognizable version, featuring Marley on lead vocals and the now-iconic “WO-YO!” refrain after the third verse, appeared on the live album Live! in 1975. Tosh would include his own solo version on his second album, Equal Rights, in 1977. Bunny Wailer was the last to release his own version on Protest. This version actually featured Tosh due to his involvement in recording the album before his death. Contemporary artists like Rihanna, Big Youth, Santana, and even a collaborative effort by Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin have offered their own interpretations of the song.
9. Jamming (1977)
The infectious groove of Jamming has had at least 27 reimaginings, attracting artists from various backgrounds, according to Whosampled. Jazz artists like Gerald Albright, Lee Ritenour, Monty Alexander, and Grover Washington Jr. have laid down smooth instrumental renditions, while international artists like Mundstuhl (Germany), 5’nizza (Japan), Banda Brasileira (Brazil), and Yannick Noah (France) have infused the song with their own cultural flavors. Jamming has even been transformed into a gentle lullaby by Rockabye Baby! and a relaxing piano piece, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal. First released in 1977 on Exodus, the original song reached No. 9 on the UK Singles chart. It is currently certified Platinum in the UK.
10. Buffalo Soldier (1983)
Buffalo Soldier, boasting 21 covers, remains as relevant today as it was when it was posthumously released in 1983 on Confrontation, the first album following Bob Marley’s passing in 1981. The song struck a chord with audiences, spending 13 weeks on the UK Singles chart and peaking at No. 4.