Happy Bob Marley Day! Toronto Mayor Rob Ford Makes the Reggae Singer's Birthday a Canadian Holiday

Even though Toronto has been celebrating the reggae singer's birthday for years, Mayor Rob Ford made it doubly official

By John Boone Feb 07, 2014 12:01 AMTags
Rob Ford, Bob MarleyGetty Images

Today would have been Bob Marley's 69th birthday. So Rob Ford (the mayor of Toronto who admitted to smoking crack during "one of [his] drunken stupors" and still holds office. Really!) decreed it Bob Marley Day. 

(Apparently the city of Toronto has been honoring Bob Marley Day for years now, but it's Rob Ford we're talking about here, so what do you expect?)

"NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council, do hereby proclaim February 6, 2014 as "Bob Marley Day" in the City of Toronto," he wrote in his declaration. He continues to say Marley's music "broke music barriers" and calls Marley himself "one of the greatest ambassadors of peace the world has seen."

So how is Rob Ford celebrating Bob Marley Day? Well he's not at work. (His office says he called in sick. "The mayor is not feeling well today. He has taken the day off," The Toronto Sun quotes Ford's press secretary.)

Wherever Rob Ford is, whatever Rob Ford may be doing, we hope Rob Ford is jammin'.

Here is a playlist of Bob Marley essentials for your own Bob Marley Day celebration:

1. "Is This Love"

Start the party off with a mellow song. It's what Bob Marley would want.

2. "Buffalo Soldier"

But don't forget this is a party. Get into it! Feel the music!

3. "No Woman, No Cry"

Let the waves of emotion rush over you!

4. "I Shot the Sheriff"

Just don't get too crazy. Rob, you're getting a little crazy.

5. "Could You Be Loved"

CALM DOWN, ROB. CHILL OUT, MAN. THIS IS A CHILL PARTY.

6. "Redemption Song"

Oh, Rob.

7. "One Love"

(Note: This is actual footage of Rob Ford dancing during a real city council meeting.)

Yeah, Rob Ford is feeling good. Happy Bob Marley Day, Canada and the world!