Important DS, signed twice as “Robert Marley" and "Bob Marley,” one page, 7.25 x 13, [1976]. The concluding page of a contract with music publisher Almo Music, featuring a “Prior Agreement” passage that concerns Marley’s previous contract with Cayman Music. In part: “Publisher acknowledges...that there is presently in effect an agreement between Writer and Cayman Music Ltd. ("Cayman"), which agreement shall expire by its terms at the close of business on October 10, 1976. It is the intention of the parties hereto that the term of this agreement shall commence immediately upon the expiration or valid termination of said agreement with Cayman...Accordingly, no musical composition the ownership or control of which shall be validly retained by Cayman under the terms of said agreement shall be covered hereunder.” Signed twice at the conclusion in black ballpoint, once as “Robert Marley,” president of Bob Marley Music Ltd., and once as “Bob Marley,” the songwriter. Matted and framed to an overall size of 14.5 x 21. In fine condition. Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Recordmecca's Jeff Gold, who states that the document originates “from the collection of a former Almo Music executive.”
This offered 1976 contract was of great importance to Bob Marley, whose latest album, Rastaman Vibration, became his first to reach the Top 10 in the Billboard 200 chart, a feat aided by his most popular U.S. single ever, ‘Roots, Rock, Reggae.’ Marley’s displeasure with his deal with Cayman Music, which was owned by his former manager Danny Sims and singer Johnny Nash, was reflected in the liner notes of Rastaman Vibration. ‘[Rastaman Vibration's] liner notes list multiple songwriters, including family friends and band members, all songs were written by Marley. Marley was involved in a contractual dispute at the time with his former publishing company, Cayman Music. Marley had not wanted his new songs to be associated with Cayman and it was speculated...that he had put them in the names of his friends and family members as a means of avoiding the contractual restrictions and to provide lasting help to family and close friends.’ This contract with Almo Music offered Marley an exit. When Marley's next album, Exodus, was released in June 1977, the songs were again credited to Marley and published by Bob Marley Music/Almo Music Corp. A unique twice-signed Bob Marley collectible that boasts his exceedingly rare “Robert Marley” signature.
This item is Pre-Certified by Real
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$200.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
