Nigeria, Feb. 5 -- "Kingston, Jamaica, October 23rd, 1978. 8:30 p.m: The exclusive Pegasus Hotel's penthouse suite was buzzing with quiet conversation when Michael Jackson walked through the heavy wooden doors... Michael had an agenda beyond social pleasantries. He wanted to propose something that would reshape both (his and Bob Marley's) careers forever.

The contrast between the two men was immediately striking. Michael wore an expensive silk shirt, perfectly tailored pants, and his signature sequin glove, representing everything successful about the American music industry. Bob, in contrast, wore simple jeans and a cotton shirt, his dreadlocks flowing naturally, embodying the authentic spiritual energy that had made him reggae's most ...