Aston “Family Man” Barrett, legendary bass guitarist for The Wailers band, died in Miami on February 2 at age 77.
Aston “Family Man” Barrett
Lennie Chen, the band’s manager, confirmed his death.
Barrett, who retired from recording and touring six years ago due to failing health, was pivotal to Bob Marley’s music during the 1970s until a cancer diagnosis ended the singer-songwriter’s career in 1980.
When Marley died in May 1981 at age 36, Barrett took over leadership of The Wailers. Under his stewardship, the band remained one of reggae’s top touring acts for over 30 years.
From east Kingston, Barrett made his name with The Upsetters and The Hippy Boys bands before joining The Wailers with his brother, drummer Carlton Barrett.
The Upsetters
In the late 1960s, they were the rhythm section for The Upsetters, a house band for producer Lee “Scratch” Perry’s company of the same name.
Bob Marley & Aston Barrett
The Barretts played on all of Marley’s albums for Island Records including Catch A Fire, Natty Dread, Exodus, and Survival.
Carlton Barrett was murdered in 1987 at age 36.
Aston “Familyman” Barrett was awarded the Order of Distinction, Jamaica’s sixth highest honor, in 2021.
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