Aston Barrett, Bassist of Bob Marley and the Wailers, Passes Away at 77
A Reggae Icon
Aston Barrett Sr., famously known as “Family Man,” the renowned bassist of the legendary reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers, has sadly passed away at the age of 77. His contributions to the world of reggae and music as a whole are immeasurable. Born in 1946 and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Barrett was an integral part of the band’s success and their impact on shaping the genre.
A Long-lasting Legacy
The news of Barrett’s passing has been shared by his grieving family, who mentioned his courageous fight against a prolonged illness, though specific details were not disclosed. Barrett’s dedication to his craft and relentless pursuit of musical excellence laid the foundation for the development and expansion of reggae music itself.
The Bassist Extraordinaire
Barrett’s virtuoso skills on the bass guitar can be heard on nearly all of the Wailers’ albums, as well as in collaborations with a broad spectrum of artists including Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, and many others. His basslines became synonymous with hits such as “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Get Up Stand Up,” “Stir It Up,” “Jamming,” “No Woman, No Cry,” and “Could You Be Love.” Barrett’s quote, “The drum, it is the heartbeat, and the bass, it is the backbone,” truly illustrates his understanding of the essence and importance of his instrument’s contribution to the music.
Legacy and Inspired Generations
Despite suffering the loss of the legendary Bob Marley to cancer at the young age of 36 in 1981, the Wailers continued to carry the torch, undergoing multiple lineup changes and enlisting various talented vocalists to fill Marley’s unmatched shoes.
A Loving Father
As well as being a phenomenal musician, Barrett had an essential role in his personal life—he fathered 23 daughters and 18 sons, comprising a vast and ever-growing family of 41 children. Barrett’s genuine dedication to family earned him the derivative moniker “Family Man.” His legacy extends not only through his music but also through his close-knit and vast family, a testament to the man he was.
