Member Exclusive: Bob Marley's Special Playlist Anniversary

In celebration of Bob Marley’s anniversary, our co-founder and producer, Mark Johnson, has created a special playlist of Bob Marley’s music. A list of songs revived and re-recorded by Playing For Change, in which he shares his experiences while recording around the world.

1) "One Love" feat. Manu Chao

"This was one of our first ever PFC Songs Around The World, and I remember recording in Dharamshala, India, in a record store with all Tibetan and Indian CD's except for Bob Marley's "Legend" right in the center. His music is everywhere."

From the award-winning documentary, "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music," comes an incredible rendition of Bob Marley's legendary song "One Love" with Keb' Mo' and Manu Chao. This is the third video from the documentary and a follow-up to the classic "Stand By Me" and the incredible "Don't Worry." Released in celebration of Bob Marley's birthday, this tribute to the legend is performed by musicians around the world adding their part to the song as it traveled the globe.

"This Song Around the World is in dedication to the love inside each of us. We can achieve far more together as a human race than we ever could apart. One Love."

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This performance served as a powerful milestone in the evolution of Playing For Change. Seeing so many talented musicians from all different cultures and walks of life united on stage for this very special night was a physical manifestation of our mission: to connect the world and bring peace through music.

2) "War No More Trouble" feat. Bono

"This was another one of our first ever PFC Songs Around The World, and this version was born directly out of our travels witnessing a world with way too many starving children and warring nations. Let the music spread the wisdom that reconnects us all to our shared humanity."

As we made our way around the world, we encountered love and hatred. We met people both rich and poor, black and white, and from innumerable religious groups and ideologies. Throughout our journey, it became very clear that, as a human race, we need to transcend from the darkness to the light and that music will be our weapon of the future.

This video from our Songs Around the World album features Bono, Rocky Dawuni, Mermans Mosengo, and musicians who have seen and overcome conflict and hatred with love and perseverance. "We don't need more trouble; what we need is love." The spirit of Bob Marley always lives on!

3) "Three Little Birds" feat. Baaba Maal

"We started this Song Around The World with Baaba Maal at the opening of our PFC music school in the ancient village of Kirina, Mali. The melody and structure are completely different from Bob Marley's, as it's all played in the key of C while staying on one chord the whole time. Somehow it works, and the message of the song transcends everything else."

This video is the first track on our album PFC2: Songs Around The World. We begin the journey in West Africa, in the ancient village of Kirina, Mali. The instruments start to play, and we hear the familiar words, "Don't worry about a thing; every little thing is gonna be alright." This timeless message invites us on a musical journey through time and space. Together, we continue to connect the world through music.

4) "Redemption Song" feat. Stephen Marley

"This is one of my all-time favorite Bob Marley songs, and for this version we added Stephen Marley, along with his dad; we reunited through the music. I remember asking the musicians to play as if it were the last thing they would ever do in this life. You can feel the emotion and heart from everyone involved, and collectively they honor the message of this anthem and sing a global song of freedom."

Liked this song? Check out this member-exclusive version featuring Ziggy Marley and the PFC Band.

5) "Natural Mystic/Just a Little Bit" feat. Jack Johnson

"This is such a heavy, deep song, and we had the honor of including Donald Kinsey, guitarist from Bob Marley and the Wailers, and Peter Tosh on our Song Around The World version. The song segues from the minor to the major and into a song from Paula Fuga, titled "Just a Little Bit."

The original idea for this Bob Marley Song Around The World was born back in 2013 when the PFC crew first visited the Congo. Mark asked himself, “How can we live in a world that allows people to live like this, with virtually no food, no money, and no hope?” The lyrics, “Things are not the way they used to be. One and all got to face reality,” came to mind as he looked out into the river of garbage running through the city. “Natural Mystic always felt so deep in its groove and lyrics, and it seemed as important and urgent as what I was seeing all around me," says Mark.

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6) "Get Up Stand Up" (Original Version)

"This song started with three PFC Band members, Roberto Luti, Sherieta Lewis, and Mermans Mosengo, and then Aztec Indians on percussion, and eventually we added Keith Richards and Keb' Mo' on guitars and vocals."

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7) "Soul Rebel" feat. Bunny Wailer and Manu Chao

"This song features Bunny Wailer, Manu Chao, and Bushman together in one of Bunny's final recordings. He is the true Soul Rebel and this song is a tribute to Bunny, Bob, and all those who inspire us to lift each other up and go from the darkness to the light."

Bob Marley once said, “One good thing about music is that when it hits, you feel no pain." Another good thing about music is that it touches our souls and lifts our spirits. Connecting people is one thing, but connecting souls is on a whole other level. Turn it up and enjoy Bunny Wailer, Manu Chao, and Bushman singing the Wailer’s classic, “Soul Rebel,” along with musicians from around the world.

Like this video? Enjoy this member-exclusive video of Rising Appalachia's, Biko & Arouna, performing The Wailers' classic "Soul Rebel" live outside during their Mark's Park episode.

8) "Mr. Bobby" Afro Fiesta feat. I-Taweh

"This Manu Chao song was recorded and filmed in my backyard and features Courtney Diedrick on drums, Twanguero on lead guitar, and Mermans Mosengo with I-Taweh for lead vocals, guitar, and bass. I love the groove and feel of this roots reggae version and the call to Bob Marley to save us all."

9) "Trenchtown Rock" Afro Fiesta

"One great thing about music is that when it hits you, you feel no pain." Words of Wisdom by Bob Marley. This version, featuring members of the PFC Band, was recorded and filmed live outside on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Enjoy some paradise."

10) "Mellow Mood" Afro Fiesta

"This performance features Mermans Mosengo and Jason Tamba, from both the PFC Band and Afro Fiesta, recorded and filmed in Los Angeles."

It was filmed live outside while taking a break from recording their Afro Fiesta studio album. Enjoy the music and like Bob Marley says, "Open your heart and let love come running in..."

We dedicate this blog to the memory of a man whose songs continue to spread peace and unity across the world—songs that inspired us to start our movement to connect the world through music and one love. Happy Birthday, Bob!