Jamaica's Independence: Stars From Jamrock
A look at some of the island's most accomplished stars.
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Celebrating Jamaica's Independence - Today marks the anniversary of Jamaica's full independence from not only the United Kingdom but the Federation of the British West Indies. In celebration of the occasion, here's a snapshot of some of the island's famous offspring.Jamaica's most famous citizen is, of course, the late music giant and cultural ambassador Bob Marley. He pushed the island's musical home brew to unprecedented heights. (Photo: Chris Walter/WireImage)
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Usain Bolt - At only 27, Usain Bolt is already a legend. Born in Trelawny, Jamaica, he won three gold medals at the 2008 Olympics. On August 5, Bolt became the first sprinter since Carl Lewis to win a second gold medal in the men's 100m final. Today, the island of Jamaica is certainly celebrating for Bolt. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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Sean Paul - The Dutty Rock dancehall reggae star not only comes from Jamaica, but his Portuguese and Chinese background reflects the island's diverse population.(Photo: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)
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Grace Jones - The model, actress and overall diva was born in Jamaica's Spanish Town before moving to the U.S. in 1960s.(Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images
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Shaggy - The Grammy-winning reggae singer is a Brooklynite by way of Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
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Shabba Ranks - America's first dancehall reggae superstar was born in St. Ann, the birthplace of reggae's first international icon, Bob Marley. (Photo: Michael Halsband /Landov)
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Staceyann Chin - The spoken word poet and LGBT rights activist was born in Jamaica. After enduring horrific violence for her sexual orientation, she moved to New York City. (Photo: Robert Pitts /Landov)
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Bounty Killer - The Grammy-nominated dancehall hero is Kingston, Jamaica-raised.(Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)
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Elephant Man - The reggae star earned his stage name (due to his big ears as a child) while growing up in Jamaica.(Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
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Beenie Man - The "Who Am I" dancehall veteran is Jamrock born and raised.(Photo: Johnny Louis/WENN.com)
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Buju Banton - The controversial reggae legend started his career as a childhood deejay in Kingston, Jamaica.(Photo: Linda Nylind/Redferns)
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Patra - Former queen of reggae "slackness" comes from the island.(Photo: Walik Goshorn)
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Diana King - This reggae fusion singer-songwriter, who came out as a lesbian in 2012, was born in Spanish Town. (Photo: Denis O'Regan/Getty Images)
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Patrick Ewing - This former New York Knicks star and former assistant coach for the Orlando Magic moved to the U.S. from Jamaica in the 1970s.(Photo: Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
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Sandra "Pepa" Denton - Member of the pioneering female rap group Salt N Pepa, Sandra "Pepa" Denton is Queens, NY-raised and Jamaican-born.(Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)
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