MarleyBy Andrew Clunis,
Freelance Writer
IT WAS Bob Marley Day in Hollywood Tuesday as the late reggae superstar claimed his own bit of real estate in the land of the rich and famous. He was accorded the 2171st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Hollywood Historic Trust and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce during a ceremony of pomp and pageantry of which the reggae king was totally worthy.
Significant of the nature of the man, the massive gathering could have represented the United Nations, as Rastas of all nationalities and general fans from all walks of life transformed 7081 Hollywood Boulevard into a kaleidoscope of red, gold and green.
There was the symbolic presence of the Rastafarian sacrament, as city officials and the general audience sported green plastic necklaces designed as ganja leaves. In brilliant sunshine Bob Marley tunes blared, Hollywood's wanna-be reggae stars sought attention, strumming their guitars or beating conga drums in their corners. The Jamaican flag flew high although there were whispers throughout the crowd about the absence of the Jamaica Tourist Board and government representatives in general.
Mayor of Hollywood and Chairman of the Hollywood Walk of Fame Committee Johnny Grant was in charge of proceedings. His enthusiasm identified him as a Marley fanatic as he revelled in the moment. In booming tones he read a citation which welcomed Bob Marley to Hollywood.
"This morning we pay tribute to Bob Marley by placing his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This is Hollywood's most respected symbol of success and popularity and it is a fitting tribute for a man who was one of the most charismatic and challenging performers of all times," he said.
Grant described the audience as one of the most enthusiastic he had seen at such an occasion. "To have a crowd this size and no problems is remarkable."
Bob Marley's widow Rita arrived to a warm reception. She was accompanied by daughter Stephanie Marley and Bob's son Robert. There was a great outpouring of sentiment and Mrs Marley glowed in the moment. Dressed in knee-high red boots, maroon beret with Rastafarian seals and a blue washed jeans outfit from her new Bob Marley line of clothing, she looked regal. With a warm smile, she thanked the large gathering and the Hollywood officials for the signal honour her late husband was receiving. She then helped Mayor Grant to unveil Bob Marley's star.
Like the others given to musical icons, Marley's star has a depiction of a CD in the centre. It has five points but the Marley family has asked that it be changed to a six-point Davidic star. Marley's star is right next to that of the great African-American actress Cicely Tyson and in the vicinity of those representing musical greats Carlos Santana, Freddy Fender, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and the Temptations.
There are 3000 stars engraved in the sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard. These are periodically accorded to persons dead or alive who have excelled in the arts. Walking down the Boulevard can be fascinating as you come across the names of the world's top entertainers in music, film and TV. There are 829 stars left to be named.
The Jamaican community in Hollywood led by Jeffrey Anderson-Gunther turned out to show support and share in the festivity. Following the unveiling of the star, a reception was held by the Marley family at the Knitting Factory, two blocks away. This was attended by scores of Marley enthusiasts who watched video clips of the late star, listened to his music and also that of Ras Michael and the Sons of Negus who played live.
