Robert Nesta Marley, Jamaican singer, musician and songwriter, was an icon in the music world. He is considered a pioneer of reggae, blending elements of reggae, ska and rocksteady, and his contributions to music have increased the visibility of Jamaican music worldwide. The infusion of spirituality into Marley's music earned him a reputation as a Rastafarian icon. He was also known for his controversial political views and support for democratic social reforms. After surviving an assassination attempt in 1976, Marley championed Pan-Africanism, supported the legalization of marijuana, and became a global figure in popular culture.