‘Could You Be Loved’ tops list of Bob Marley’s most played tracks in 21st Century

Bob Marley & The Wailers ‘Could You Be Loved’ has been named the reggae pioneer’s most played track on UK radio and TV in the 21^st century, in data revealed by PPL to mark what would have been the Jamaican icon’s 80^th birthday on 6 February.

Released in 1980, the song continues to capture the imaginations of UK listeners, having been played an average of 15 times per day since the turn of the century. In total, Bob Marley’s music has racked up over four years of cumulative airplay since 2001.

PPL, which licenses the use of recorded music on radio, TV and in public places, has compiled the chart of Marley’s most played songs in the 21st century using airplay data from radio and TV stations across the UK.  ‘Could You Be Loved’ is closely followed by ‘One Love’ and ‘Three Little Birds’ as the next two most played songs, with ‘No Woman, No Cry’ and ‘Is This Love’ completing the top five.

The remix of ‘Sun is Shining’ by Funkstar De Luxe, which reached number three on the UK singles chart in 1999, continues to perform strongly on radio and TV, 25 years after its release.

Top 10 Most Played Bob Marley & The Wailers Recordings of the 21st Century

1. Could You Be Loved
2. One Love / People Get Ready
3. Three Little Birds
4. No Woman, No Cry
5. Is This Love
6. Jamming
7. Buffalo Soldier
8. Waiting In Vain
9. Sun Is Shining (Bob Marley vs Funkstar De Luxe)
10. Iron Lion Zion

Born in 1945, Bob Marley made music from 1963 with his band The Wailers until his untimely death in 1981. In that time, he became the foremost global face of Jamaican music and culture, evolving into an international symbol of peace and unity. He remains one of the most recognisable artists in history.

The UK had a special place in Marley’s career, after signing with Island Records in 1972. He subsequently recorded or mixed four albums in London, with the UK later becoming his permanent home for two years during his political exile from Jamaica.

PPL’s data shows the enduring presence of his music on UK airwaves even decades after its release. The 1984 compilation ‘Legend’ is the fifth bestselling greatest hits collection in the UK of all time.

The MOBOs will take place on 18 February in Newcastle, where Kingsley Ben-Adir is nominated for Best Performance In A TV Show/Film for his portrayal of Bob Marley in last year’s biopic ‘Bob Marley: One Love’.

Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL, said: “Bob Marley is one of the most iconic artists in history, and his 80^th birthday provided the perfect opportunity to look back at his impact on UK airwaves. His huge presence on our radio and TV stations in the 21^st century reflects the enduring power of his music, which continues to touch and inspire listeners across the country.”