Jamaica's Independence: Stars From Jamrock

A look at some of the island's most accomplished stars.

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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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)

Usain Bolt - It takes a lot of exercise to become the fastest man in the world and Usain Bolt is not afraid to put in that work. Bolt's dedication to training is only rivaled by his upbeat laid back personality. (Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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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)

Sean Paul: January 9 - The Jamaican dancehall star celebrates his 40th birthday.   (Photo: Andreas Rentz/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)

Grace Jones: May 19 - The groundbreaking beauty turns 65.  (Photo: Julian Finney/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

Shaggy - The Grammy-winning reggae singer is a Brooklynite by way of Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo: Jason Merritt/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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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)

 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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 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)

Bounty Killer - The Grammy-nominated dancehall hero is Kingston, Jamaica-raised.(Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

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Bounty Killer - The Grammy-nominated dancehall hero is Kingston, Jamaica-raised.(Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

Elephant Man: September 11 - The Jamaican-born dancehall star celebrates his 37th birthday.  (Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

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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)

Beenie Man: August 22 - The dancehall king celebrates his 39th birthday. (Photo: Johnny Louis/WENN.com)

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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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Buju Banton - The controversial reggae legend started his career as a childhood deejay in Kingston, Jamaica.(Photo: Linda Nylind/Redferns)

Patra - Former queen of reggae "slackness" comes from the island.(Photo: Walik Goshorn)

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Patra - Former queen of reggae "slackness" comes from the island.(Photo: Walik Goshorn)

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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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)

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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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)

Sandra "Pepa" Denton - "Training Day. Denzel Washington went gangsta in it, just hardcore street and won the Oscar. He was amazing. It’s just something about Denzel. I’m a Denzel fan and I watch every movie he’s in ..." (Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/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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Peter Tosh - The militant reggae legend and former member of the Wailers called the island home until his death in 1987.(Photo: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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Peter Tosh - The militant reggae legend and former member of the Wailers called the island home until his death in 1987.(Photo: Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The Marley Family - Ziggy (singer-songwriter) and Cedella Marley (singer and fashion designer) are two of Bob Marley's famous offspring who continue the family business of spreading the musical consciousness of their homeland.(Photo: Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)

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The Marley Family - Ziggy (singer-songwriter) and Cedella Marley (singer and fashion designer) are two of Bob Marley's famous offspring who continue the family business of spreading the musical consciousness of their homeland.(Photo: Eric Charbonneau/WireImage)