Island House
Originally owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell as a guest space for visitors coming to Jamaica, Marley acquired the property during his contract renegotiation for Natty Dread in 1974. Photographer Neville Garrick captures Bob in a set that inspired the Rastaman Vibration cover art.
Yard Life
Situated just a few doors down from the Prime Minister's home in Kingston 6, Bob would tell reporters who questioned his living in such an affluent community, "Me bring the ghetto uptown." Here, he plays dominoes around the side yard with Seeco (percussion), Gilly (chef), and some Trench Town youths.
Football
With a huge front yard, football was played nearly every day while the band was home from tour. Watch the video below for some great footage of Bob playing football.
Bob Marley playing football at 56 Hope Road (1978) by Peter MurphyBob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley playing football at 56 Hope Road. (1979) by Johnnie BlackBob Marley: Legend
Table Tennis
Bob was a fierce competitor, and never missed an opportunity to challenge friends and strangers alike to see how they measure up.
Table tennis was one of his favorites.
Visitors Welcome
His home was always open, and people from all walks of life would come to hang out with Bob. Here, the Jackson Five stopped by right before their show together on March 5, 1975.
Bob hosted a press day at his home ahead of the One Love Peace Concert.
Writing Songs
Bob would often grab a guitar, find a spot on the property, and look around for inspiration. Many of his most famous hits like "Three Little Birds" and "No Woman No Cry" were written at 56 Hope Road.
Tuff Gong
After getting ripped off by producers in his first few years, Bob decided early on he wanted more control of his music. In 1970, he started a label and record shop in Trench Town called Tuff Gong. When Bob moved to Island House, the shop came with him.
Recording Studio
Continuing his journey for freedom from "record suits," Bob finished building a recording studio at Hope Road in 1979. He recorded his final three albums here.
Watch the original in-studio music video for "Could You Be Loved" below.
Home is for Family
While Bob had a more private residence where he and his wife and bandmate Rita officially lived, they spent much of their time at Hope Road making music so the children often came by to visit.
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Bob Marley Museum
Today, 56 Hope Road plays host to the infamous Bob Marley Museum, an essential visit for any reggae fan coming to Jamaica. When U.S. President Barack Obama came to the island in 2015, he headed straight to the museum from the airport.
