It’s sad that the history of reggae has been so warped and distorted throughout the past three decades. Everyone knows Bob. Hell, half of this picture is one of the most iconic and recognized photographs worldwide. However, until today I had no idea that there was another half to this picture.

The man sitting next to Bob is Jacob Miller of Inner Circle. He, like many of his bandmates (but perhaps not nearly to the same extent as them), was rather heavy set, whereas reggae artists at the time lived more acetic lives and were skinny because of it. He sung, nay — he screamed, with an “American” accent whereas reggae artists at the time sang with a thick Patois so their target audience could better relate. He would launch himself across the stage and headbang in a manner similar to the frontmen of the metal bands thousands of miles and several years away, whereas reggae artist at the time would perform in an almost meditated state. Needless to say he was different, and reggae has never been kind to those who were different.

Jacob joined the 27 Club on March 23rd, 1980 after being ejected from his vehicle during a car crash in Kingston.