Today in History: Bob Marley was born. He'd have been 75 in 2020.

Reggae legend and activist Bob Marley was born on this day in 1945. He would have turned 75 this year.

The Jamaican singer was born on February 6.

Bob Marley died of cancer in 1981, at age 36.

In Los Angeles last Friday, Bob Marley's children, including Cedella Marley, Julian Marley and Rohan Marley, and several of the late singer's grandchildren, all held a pre-Grammys brunch.

The gathering also celebrated Julian Marley, who was nominated for best reggae album at last Sunday's Grammy Awards.

Cedella Marley, a three-time Grammy winner, said her father, who died in 1981, taught his children important lessons about perseverance.

"Daddy was a fitness guru ... and there were times when we would do these relay races and a lot of parents just want their children to win, win, win. No, we had to really win," she said. "If we run, we have to really run. And he was not the one that was just going to let you win just because, and I think that's an important lesson. Nothing is handed to you, you have to go out there (and work hard)."

Bob Marley's kids passed that message on to their own children, who were in attendance Friday. Skip Marley, Cedella Marley's son who has collaborated with Katy Perry, H.E.R. and Major Lazer, said he didn't choose music, but that "music chose me."

"All of us carry it on," Skip Marley said of the other grandchildren, "Even to some new streets and avenues (while) protecting the message and continuing to carry the light."

More at ABC News:Bob Marley's kids celebrate late reggae icon's 75th birthday

VIDEO, ABOVE: 1979 interview with reggae musician Bob Marley on the release of his album 'Survival,' supplemented by additional commentary from Roots Rock Reggae producer Pablo Innes.