Yet, shirking his bloodline has never been an issue for Marley, whose nickname "Jr. Gong" is even a nod toward his father, whose moniker was "Tuff Gong," a reference to the elder Marley's hot-tempered manner.
Being Bob Marley's son has "never been a challenge, you know what I mean?" the younger Marley says. "My father has always been a light on my career. He can steer people to me. They may not know who I am, but if they see that name Marley, they may pick up my CD and check it out."
In the same vein, Marley will not only talk about his father, but has performed his dad's songs in concert, including Exodus and Could You Be Loved.
"I love his songs, and they're our songs also," Marley says. "It's like a team, and I happen to be one of the persons up to bat right now. It's my father's music, but it's my music, too."
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