Bob Marley was the world's first reggae superstar. He was part of the Jamaican group The Wailers, along with reggae greats Bunny Livingston and Peter Tosh. In the late 1960s and early '70s Marley, a Rastafarian, gained early attention for writing hits recorded by others, including "Stir It Up" (recorded by Johnny Nash) and "I Shot The Sheriff" (a hit for Eric Clapton). But then he came into his own international fame with songs that spoke of politics, religion and life on the streets, including his anthemic "Get Up, Stand Up." A greatest hits compilation titled Legend was released in 1984; it sold millions and earned a reputation as the one reggae album owned by people who own just one reggae album.

Extra credit: Marley's wife, Rita, and his son, Ziggy, have recording careers of their own.