AboutGrant Miner Expertise I can answer a broad range of questions on reggae music, its history, and the religious and social factors that have influenced its development in Jamaica and elsewhere. I also have a similarly broad knowledge base for old school Punk Rock (circa 1976-1982).
Experience A performing musician for 20 years, I have traveled extensively in Jamaica and England as well as the USA, always with an eye and an ear for music.
Publications In the early 80s I conducted interviews and wrote for numerous underground music magazines: Paranoia, Flipside, etc. More recently I have written about sports for Bartcop.com
Awards and Honors American Academy of Poetry Award (1984)
Expert: Grant Miner Date: 10/2/2006 Subject: rastafarianism
Question how did bob marley influence the spread of rastafarianism?
Answer This is a little like asking "How did the Pope influence the spread of Catholicism?"
Bob Marley was the most famous, listened-to, and visible Rastafarian who has ever lived. His religion was central to his lyrics, his interviews, and to the way he lived his life. He, almost single-handedly, transformed Rastamen (and women) from the castouts of Jamaican society to internationally recognized icons for Jamaican culture. The "spread of (R)astafarianism" is something of a nebulous concept. While Bob's music inspired people of all cultures to re-examine their beliefs and to challenge the values of their societies, it didn't lead to a worldwide religious movement. Of all the people who listen to Bob's music, only a small percentage believe that Haile Selassie was the Messiah (the central tenet of Rastafari). To put it all in perspective, however, if it weren't for Bob Marley you wouldn't be asking about Rastafarians and I wouldn't be answering.
