Bob Marley is one of the most legendary and beloved figures in music history — but oddly, there are several widespread false memories tied to him that continue to confuse people to this day. In this post, we explore three popular Mandela Effects involving Bob Marley’s death and two songs people often wrongly attribute to him.
1. The Memory: Bob Marley Was Assassinated
One of the most surprising Mandela Effects is related to Bob Marley’s death. Many people remember him being assassinated — shot and killed.
The Reality: He Died from Cancer
In our current timeline, Bob Marley died of acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer, on May 11, 1981. The cancer started in his toe and eventually spread to his brain and other organs. Although Bob Marley did survive an assassination attempt in 1976, he recovered and continued to perform for years afterward. He wasn’t assassinated — yet the memory of his death by gunshot remains incredibly persistent for many fans around the world.
2. The Memory: Bob Marley Sang “Red Red Wine”
This reggae classic has all the Bob Marley vibes — laid back, feel-good rhythm, with lyrics about heartbreak and trying to forget someone. So it’s no surprise that many people believe “Red Red Wine” is a Bob Marley song.
The Reality: It’s by UB40
In truth, “Red Red Wine” was made famous by UB40, a British reggae/pop band made up primarily of white members. The song itself is actually a cover of a 1967 Neil Diamond song, but UB40’s version (released in 1983) is the one people remember — and frequently misattribute to Marley.
This false memory runs so deep that it’s common to find “Red Red Wine” labeled as a Bob Marley track on old music-sharing sites, bootleg CDs, and even early YouTube uploads.
3. The Memory: Bob Marley Sang “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”
Here’s another favorite that feels so Marley-esque that many fans are shocked to learn the truth. “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” is widely remembered as one of Bob Marley’s most iconic songs, heard at backyard BBQs, surf shops, and island getaways across the world.
The Reality: It’s Bobby McFerrin
“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was released in 1988 by Bobby McFerrin, an American jazz vocalist known for his vocal improvisation and one-man-band style. Not only was the song released years after Bob Marley’s death, but it also has a totally different musical structure from Marley’s work.
Despite this, the chill vibe, reggae-influenced rhythm, and uplifting lyrics have caused a major false memory. Many people still search for it under Bob Marley’s name to this day.
What’s Going On Here?
So why are Bob Marley’s name and legacy tied to so many false memories?
- His distinct sound defined reggae for generations, causing many to associate any reggae-like song with him.
- His larger-than-life status makes it easy to assume he created the most iconic tracks in the genre.
- His untimely death and the assassination attempt blur timelines for many.
Share Your Memory
- Did you remember Bob Marley dying from a gunshot?
- Were you convinced he sang Red Red Wine or Don’t Worry, Be Happy?
- Do you have other Marley-related memories that feel different from this timeline?
Let us know in the comments!
