Meet the Photographer Who Lived with Bob Marley for Three Years | Lee Jaffe and Marc Beckman

Some Future Day podcast - Episode 56: Meet the Photographer Who Lived with Bob Marley for Three Years | Lee Jaffe and Marc Beckman Bob Marley is among the most iconic musicians in the world with 150 million in album sales. Marley's mission of love and peace was born from the tiny island of Jamaica, but inspired the entire world. And Lee Jaffe caught it all. In this episode of Some Future Day, master photographer Lee Jaffe shares insights from his new book ' Hit Me With Music: roots rock reggae,' and recounts his extraordinary artistic journey. Starting from his days as a double major in art and LSD at Penn State, to his transformative experiences in politically charged Brazil and culturally rich Jamaica, Lee opens up about his role in the legalization of cannabis and his interactions with influential artists like Hélio Oiticica. The episode explores his arrest and subsequent move to Jamaica, aligning with the Rasta culture during a tense political climate under Michael Manley. Lee delves into his close relationship with Bob Marley and the Wailers, detailing their struggles, triumphs, and the creation of iconic music like 'Catch a Fire.' Additionally, the narrative covers the early days of Island Records, Marley's impactful performances, and the cultural convergence with artists like Bruce Springsteen. Reflecting on the evolving landscape of art, the discussion extends to the influence of digital photography and AI, transforming artistic practices amid technological advancements. This episode provides an in-depth look at the intersection of art, politics, and music through the lens of Lee Jaffe's multifaceted career. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:46 Lee Jaffe's College Days 06:23 Life in Brazil and Artistic Influences 14:41 Arrival in Jamaica and Political Climate 22:53 Meeting Bob Marley and the Wailers 42:43 Bob Marley's Competitive Spirit 43:18 Organizing the First North American Tour 44:32 Securing a Gig at Max's Kansas City 49:30 The Impact of Catch a Fire 50:23 Opening for Bruce Springsteen 54:21 The Cultural Significance of the Wailers 56:09 Lee Jaffe's Background and Influences 01:05:25 The Ethnic and Cultural Melting Pot of Jamaica 01:10:49 Lee Jaffe's Journey into Photography 01:13:32 The Evolution of Photography and Technology 01:25:03 The Power of Imagery in Society 01:29:52 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Sign up for the Some Future Day Newsletter here: https://marcbeckman.substack.com/ Episode Links: Lee Jaffe: https://leejaffe.com/ Hit Me With Music: roots rock reggae: https://www.rizzoliusa.com/book/9780847835126/ Marc Beckman is a Senior Fellow of Emerging Technologies at NYU, the CEO of DMA United, and is on the New York State Bar Association's Taskforce for Cryptocurrency and Digital Assets. DMA United: https://dmaunited.com/ Some Future Day is produced and edited by Make More Media: https://makemore.media/