In the tumultuous world of reggae legend Bob Marley, a shocking incident unfolded that left the world in disbelief. The attempted assassination of Bob Marley in 1976 not only shook the music industry but also brought his wife, Rita Marley, into the spotlight.
One question echoed through the years – “Did Rita Marley Get Shot?” Let’s delve into this extraordinary tale and uncover the miraculous twist that saved her life.
Rita Marley Shot in Head
In December 1976, Bob Marley, along with his wife Rita Marley, ventured to Jamaica for the Smile Jamaica Concert. This free concert was organized by the Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley, and it aimed to bring people together amidst rising tensions in the country.
Two days before the event, the Marley home became the stage for a terrifying assault by unknown gunmen. Bob Marley, his wife Rita, and manager Don Taylor found themselves caught in the crossfire. Rita Marley’s fate took an unexpected turn as she became the target of a bullet to the head.
“Bob Marley’s wife, Rita, once took a bullet to the head in an attempted assassination in Kingston. Despite being shot in the head, she survived, due to her thick dreadlocks minimizing the impact of the bullet.”
It was Rita Marley’s iconic dreadlocks that played a pivotal role in her survival. The dense and intertwined strands of her hair acted as a natural buffer, minimizing the impact of the bullet. This astonishing revelation showcases the power of the very symbol that defined the reggae culture – the dreadlocks.
Did Rita Marley Get Shot?
On the fateful night of December 3, 1976, seven armed men raided Bob Marley’s residence in Kingston, Jamaica. The attack took place just two days before the scheduled Smile Jamaica Concert. The gunmen targeted Marley and his entourage while they were on a break from rehearsal.
As described in reports, “At 8:30 pm, two days before the Smile Jamaica Concert, seven men armed with guns raided Marley’s house at 56 Hope Road. Marley’s wife, Rita, was shot in the head in her car in the driveway.
The gunmen shot Marley in the chest and arm. His manager, Don Taylor, was shot in the legs and torso. Band employee Louis Griffiths took a bullet to his torso as well. Miraculously, there were no fatalities.”
The motive behind the assassination attempt has been shrouded in political intrigue. The incident occurred at a time when politicians from different spectrums sought to gain from Marley’s support. Although Marley remained neutral, the attempt was seen as an effort to halt the concert featuring politically progressive music.
According to an American embassy cable, “Some see the incident as an attempt by JLP gunmen to halt the concert, which would feature the ‘politically progressive’ music of Marley and other reggae stars.”
Conspiracy theories surrounding the attempted assassination have surfaced over the years. In his Marley biography, Timothy White claimed that CIA involvement might have played a role. Allegedly, a JLP gunman named Carl Byah “Mitchell” was contracted by the CIA to organize the shooting, with Lester “Jim Brown” Coke leading the charge on Hope Road.
Bob Marley’s manager, Don Taylor, added a shocking twist by asserting that the shooters claimed to be working for the CIA in exchange for cocaine and guns before their execution.
Conclusion: A Tale of Resilience and Intrigue
The story of Rita Marley being shot in the head is a testament to the resilience of the Marley family in the face of adversity. Her survival, attributed to the protective shield of her dreadlocks, adds a unique layer to the mystique of the reggae legend’s life.
As we revisit this chapter in history, the unanswered questions and conspiracy theories surrounding the incident continue to intrigue and captivate.
The attempted assassination of Bob Marley and the survival of Rita Marley remain etched in the annals of reggae lore, inviting contemplation and reflection on the turbulent times that shaped one of the most influential musical icons of our era.