Though Bob Marley’s life was cut too short too soon, the Marley family is still maintaining his legacy.

Regardless of your opinion on Bob Marley’s music while he was alive, the fact is, no Jamaican artist has done more to bring reggae music into the mainstream than Robert Nesta Marley. His contributions to both rock music and reggae music were so profound that, according to Forbes Magazine, the Marley family estate generated an estimated $23 million in 2018 off of official Bob Marley licensed materials alone. In 2020, Bob Marley was the eighth-highest paid dead celebrity, according to Forbes. And according to Cheatsheet, the Marley empire is said to be worth more than $500 million altogether.

“There are millions of dollars worth of unauthorized products using Marley’s likeness. Between the authorized and unauthorized licensing fees, there is reportedly $500 million of revenue annually,” according to the outlet. As Rolling Stone reported in 2015, the Marleys successfully sued a merchandising company that used the Rasta Man’s likeness without permission.

This move by the estate set a precedent for other musicians’ estates, who often suffer a financial loss when companies sell unauthorized likenesses of the artist.

“This case presents a question that is familiar in our circuit. When does the use of a celebrity’s likeness or persona in connection with a product constitute false endorsement that is actionable under the Lanham Act,” 9th Circuit Judge N. Randy Smith wrote, citing a 1946 law aimed at protecting against trademark infringement and false advertising.

But don’t think Bob Marley’s kids are merely sitting around counting their father’s coins. Each of the Marley children is quite successful in their own right — and, as their children grow up and enter the industry, they’re carrying on the family name, too.

Let’s take a look at how the Marley family keeps the Spirit of Jah alive. Bless up!

Editorial note: The net worths listed in this piece are a speculative estimate drawn from a number of online sources.

Marley Family

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