So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley

Roger Steffens, Linton Kwesi Johnson

Book cover for So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley
Book cover for So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley
Book cover for So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley
Book cover for So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley

So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley

So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley

Roger Steffens, Linton Kwesi Johnson

View full details

Description

Renowned reggae historian Roger Steffens's riveting oral history of Bob Marley's life draws on four decades of intimate interviews with band members, family, lovers, and confidants--many speaking publicly for the first time. Hailed by the New York Times Book Review as a "crucial voice" in the documentation of Marley's legacy, Steffens spent years traveling with the Wailers and taking iconic photographs. Through eyewitness accounts of vivid scenes--the future star auditioning for Coxson Dodd; the violent confrontation between the Wailers and producer Lee Perry; the attempted assassination (and conspiracy theories that followed); the artist's tragic death from cancer--So Much Things to Say tells Marley's story like never before. What emerges is a legendary figure "who feels a bit more human" (The New Yorker).

Critical Reviews

If Bob Marley is Jesus in these times, Roger Steffens is Peter.--Carlos Santana

An invaluable insight into the life and times of one of the great pop culture figures of the twentieth century.... Endlessly fascinating.--Robert Hilburn, author of Johnny Cash: The Life

All true gospels are shaped by the accounts of eyewitnesses who walked with the one we speak of. Roger Steffens has collected these accounts and has given us a book of truths complicated by the bending of memory, motive and mystery. The effect is a fresh and renewed affirmation of Marley's genius, humanity and mystique. This book is a triumph of the storytelling virtuosity of Jamaican people, and a testament to the care and glorious obsessions of Roger Steffens.--Kwame Dawes, author of City of Bones: A Testament and Bob Marley: Lyrical Genius

By far the most important and definitive book written about Bob Marley.--Bruno Blum, musician, music historian, writer, artist and lecturer based in Paris

So Much Things to Say is Steffens's must-read/can't-stop-reading account of Bob Marley's historic career and his indelible achievements.--Stephen Davis, author of Bob Marley and Reggae Bloodlines

Definitive...a landmark....This might be the best Bob Marley book ever.--Will Hermes "Rolling Stone"

Majestic.-- "Elle"

Steffens identifies many more pieces of [Marley] than have ever before been put together in one book.--Colin Grant "Guardian"

A complete portrait.... Calls on many voices to recall the one iconic voice.-- "Los Angeles Times"

Compulsively readable, exquisitely researched.-- "Philadelphia Inquirer"

[So Much Things to Say] narrates the life of Marley from cradle to grave.... Steffens has been on the Marley case for decades, and he's a crucial voice in this epic chorus.... Illuminating.--Touré "New York Times Book Review"

Publishing Information

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Pub date: 2018-10-30
Length: 464 pages

The Allstora Membership

Membership Perks:

  • Save 30% on all online store purchases
  • Exclusive access to author's content
  • You pay less, but authors still earn double

Membership Terms:

First Month: $0.00
Monthly price: $5.00
  • To access membership discount simply log in and add to cart, discount applied automatically.
  • One month free trial, cancel anytime. Membership renews on the 15th of each month.