MARLEY RANKS 4TH AMONG AFTER-LIFE TOP SELLERS
Bob Marley continues to break records. Thirty-four years after his passing, the legendary reggae singer is selling more records than many living. According to Forbes Magazine, the Rastafarian netted $21 million, and is ranked fourth among top money-earners beyond the grave. Only three artists surpassed the reggae superstar — Elvis Presley, cartoonist Charles Schultz and the incomparable Michael Jackson.
Jackson is the highest earning dead celebrity. He sits at the top of the list with earnings equaling $115 million in 2014; this despite the fact that the figure had dropped by 18 percent from the previous year’s $140 million.
While it’s been five years since his tragic passing, the iconic legend still continues to break records from beyond the grave.
In fact, since his death in 2009, Michael has earned over a billion dollars — before taxes — more than enough to pay back the debts he had found himself in at the time of his demise.
The main sources of his post-life income are from two Cirque du Soleil shows, including Las Vegas’ “Michael Jackson One,” his own music and publishing income from the Mijac Music catalog, sales of recorded music and his half of the Sony / ATV publishing empire.
This year alone, Michael’s earnings have already reached $55 million – which makes him not only the highest earner among the dearly departed – but also among most of the living.
Second on the list is Elvis Presley who made $55 million. Although he doesn’t sit at the top of the list, Elvis does make more than most living stars. Most of his income comes by way of ticket sales to Graceland and his 53rd Top 40 album, “Elvis Presley Forever,” which was released in August.
Third is Peanuts creator Charles Shulz at $40 million which he earned mostly through licensing fees of his still very popular comic. Fans can look forward to The Peanuts Movie, a 3-D film expected to hit the big screens on November.
Marley’s rise to top four was attributed to his Marley Beverage Company – the maker of Marley’s Mellow Mood — and House of Marley — the home to eco-friendly audio and lifestyle products.
NEW COLLECTOR’S BOX-SET CELEBRATE BOB MARLEY’S 70th
Bob Marley’s 70th birthday year-long celebration (2015) continues with the release of two new box sets — The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition.
The two vinyl collection sets were released Sept. 25 and feature 11 albums on 180-gram vinyl spanning a decade’s worth of Bob Marley & The Wailers releases on Island Records. The Complete Island Recordings include 11-LPs packaged in a rigid card box with lift top lid, and wrapped in silver paper that simulates the brushed metal finish of a hinged lighter. The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition also includes, a 70th anniversary slip mat and two photos in glassine envelopes, all packaged in a unique metal box set, numbered and lined with velvet and connected to truly emulate a hinged lighter. Both boxes include Marley’s 70th birthday logo and all nine Bob Marley & The Wailers studio albums recorded for Island Records which features some of their most celebrated releases, including “Catch A Fire,” their 1973 label debut, and “Rastaman Vibration,” their 1976 breakthrough album in the United States, along with two live albums “Live!” and “Babylon By Bus.”
Cedella Marley, the legend’s eldest offspring introduced the package prior to its release and in detail, visually un-wrapped the collector’s item for YouTube viewers to peruse. In melodic, Jamaican tones she showcased the artwork that replicates the original album pressings.
The “Live!” album includes the original poster with the vinyl, while the “Exodus” album features the original gold metallic jacket with embossed lettering.
The “Babylon By Bus” album also features the die-cut cover with the color printed inner sleeves showing through.
LP’S in Bob Marley & The Wailers – The Complete Island Recordings & The Collector’s Edition include:
– Catch A Fire
– Burnin’
– Natty Dread
– Live!
– Rastaman Vibration
– Exodus
– Babylon By Bus
– Kaya
– Survival
– Uprising
– Confrontation
KIDS FROM KENYA TO COLUMBIA SING “ONE LOVE” TO MARLEY’S 70th
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the birth of Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley, his son, David Ziggy recently released a tribute collaboration that personifies the ideals his legendary father defined. The Tuff Gong Worldwide label collection was recorded in partnership with 1World Chorus. Performed and recorded exclusively by children from around the world – Kenya, Africa, Columbia and Jamaica, ranging in ages from 8 to seventeen, the multi-Grammy, reggae music winner selected some of the most appropriate tracks to honor the milestone anniversary. Label insiders claim that the aim was to “promote peace, team-building, creativity and unity,” using the genre that best expresses all of those tenets.
The 10-song compilation include: “Wake Up & Live,” “One Love,” “Smile Jamaica,” “Three Little Birds,” “Jammin,” “No Woman No Cry,” “lively Up Yourself,” “Is This Love,” “Redemption Song,” and “Bend Down Low” which features Judah Marley.
Don’t be surprised if the 1World Chorus yields another Grammy for Bob’s eldest son. Look for the shoo-in for a 2015 nomination in the Best Children’s album recording category.
Catch You On The Inside!
