Reggae's Vital Heart: David Burnett's Bob Marley Photographs

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BOB MARLEY'S MESSAGE was a timeless one of revolution and social change that sprang from his life experiences.

Most fans receive his message through his music and brief glimpses of his life through articles, stories and lyrics. Photographer David Burnett opens another chapter of the reggae master's life with his new book of never-before-seen photographs, "Soul Rebel," some of which are also on display at Govinda Art Gallery's National Harbor location.

Burnett barely knew who Marley was when he traveled to Jamaica for Time magazine in 1976. While there, he photographed legends Peter Tosh and Lee "Scratch" Perry — those pictures are also on display — and Marley himself. Burnett ended up shooting Marley's 1977 "Exodus" tour of Europe for Rolling Stone.

Even after his 1980 death, Marley's impact is apparent both in music and culture, even if in a somewhat distorted fashion — kids who know nothing about the man himself have seen his face imposed over a cannibis leaf on many a dorm-room poster.

"I think sometimes we get a little uptight about things," said Burnett. "There's a whole lot more to Marley than just that. There's something much more powerful about Bob and his music."

This book has been 30 years in the making for Burnett. "It's astonishing to see how many people are moved and into Bob Marley," said Burnett. "It's fun to finally put together a set of pictures that no one's seen for 30 years. It's been living this quiet life in the drawers of my agency in New York."

» Govinda Gallery, 120 American Way, National Harbor, Md.; through July 4; 202-333-1180

Written by Express contributor Adaora Otiji
Photo courtesy David Burnett/Govinda Gallery