Aston “Family Man” Barrett, legendary bassist and band leader of Bob Marley & The Wailers, has died at the age of 77.
Barrett’s son, Aston Barrett Jr., shared the news of his father’s passing in a social media post on Saturday. The senior Barrett died at the University of Miami Hospital in Florida.
“With the heaviest of hearts, we share the news of the passing of our beloved Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett after a long medical battle,” Barrett Jr. wrote.
“This morning, the world lost not just an iconic musician and the backbone of The Wailers but a remarkable human being whose legacy is as immense as his talent. Our family is asking for privacy during this challenging time, as words cannot express our profound loss.”
“Family man” of The Wailers
Barrett, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, started off his career in Lee “Scratch” Perry’s house band, The Upsetters. He later teamed up with his brother Carlton to join Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1971.
It was while with Perry, that he and his brother backed the band (with Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Livingston) on songs like “Duppy Conqueror,” “Small Axe,” and “Mr Brown.”
They became the group’s vaunted rhythm section, and when Tosh and Livingston the band left in early 1974, the Barretts stayed put and were part of the movement that saw Marley to global fame.
Aston foresaw his role as a band leader and started to call himself “Family Man.”
Barrett played on Marley and the Wailers’ outstanding albums including Natty Dread, Rastaman Vibration, and Exodus. When Marley died in May 1981 from cancer at age 36, Barrett took over the reins and made The Wailers Band one of reggae’s best touring bands.
Within The Wailers, Barrett took on the responsibilities of song arrangement, co-production, and engineering.
“Aston’s music brought joy to millions, and his influence on reggae is beyond measure. He was a man of few words, but his words carried wisdom, kindness, and love. His bass lines were not just the foundation of The Wailers’ music but the heartbeat of a genre that has touched hearts around the globe,” his son said.
Life after the band
Barrett eventually left The Wailers, and in 2006 filed a lawsuit against the group’s label, Island Records, seeking £60 million in unpaid royalties The case was eventually dismissed.
In 2012, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bass Player Magazine, and in 2020, he was selected as the number-one bassist by the staff of Bass Player Magazine, in their ranking of “20 legendary players who shaped the sound of electric bass.”
In 2021, Barrett was honored with Jamaica’s Order of Distinction (Commander class) for his contributions to reggae music.
Aston Barrett Jr. portrays his father in the upcoming Bob Marley biopic, One Love. Barrett Jr also took over the leadership of The Wailers band as they continue to record and tour.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of the journey with us. Your love, support, and kind words have been a source of strength during this difficult time. Let us remember Familyman for the legend he was and the incredible memories he has given us. In his own words, “The older the moon, the brighter it shines,” a reminder of the enduring light he shared with us all, shining brighter with each passing day.
Rest in peace, Familyman. Your legacy will live on forever in our hearts and through the music you’ve left us. We love you and will miss you deeply,” his son’s statement concluded.
Barrett leaves behind 41 children.
