– Bob Marley’s guitarist Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett death
– Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, Bob Marley guitarist’s passing.
Aston “Family Man” Barrett, Bassist for Bob Marley and the Wailers, Passes Away at 77
February 4, 2024.
Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the renowned bassist for Bob Marley and the Wailers, has sadly passed away at the age of 77.
The news of Barrett’s death was confirmed on Saturday by Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s minister for culture. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Grange expressed her deep regret, stating, “I share with you my deep regret at the passing of Aston Francis Barrett, popularly known as ‘Family Man’ or ‘Fams’… He died at the University of Miami Hospital in Florida, United States, early this morning.”
Aston Barrett was born in 1946 and grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, where he played a fundamental role in the development of reggae and dub music. From a young age, he had a passion for soul music and eventually transitioned to playing the bass. In a 2007 interview, he described his connection to the instrument, saying, “When I’m playing the bass, it’s like I’m singing. I compose a melodic line and see myself like I’m singing baritone.”
Barrett’s musical journey led him to collaborate with various groups, including Bob Marley & the Wailers, the Hippy Boys, and Lee “Scratch” Perry’s The Upsetters. He also served as a mentor to several Jamaican musicians, such as Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare of the reggae production duo Sly & Robbie.
During his time with the Wailers in the 1970s, Aston Barrett became the bandleader of Bob Marley’s backing band and co-producer of their albums. He remained a member of the group until Marley’s passing, making significant contributions to beloved albums like “Burnin'” and “Uprising.”
However, Barrett’s influence extended far beyond his work with Bob Marley. He continued to tour with later iterations of the Wailers and was recognized for his exceptional talent. In 2015, NME readers named him the 25th greatest bassist of all time. Furthermore, in 2021, he received the Order of Distinction (Commander class) in the National Honours and Awards on Jamaica’s 59th Anniversary of Independence.
Throughout his career, Aston Barrett faced challenges, including a legal battle with Island Records in 2006. He sought £60 million in unpaid royalties for his production and songwriting work on various albums but was unsuccessful in his campaign. Barrett retired from music in 2019.
As news of Aston “Family Man” Barrett’s passing spreads, the reggae community mourns the loss of a true pioneer. Jamaica’s minister for culture, Olivia Grange, expressed her condolences to Barrett’s family and the local and international reggae music fraternity, stating, “May the angels welcome home Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett to Mount Zion.”
Aston Barrett’s legacy will forever be remembered as he played a vital role in shaping the reggae genre. His profound contributions to music will continue to inspire generations to come.
Rest in peace, Aston “Family Man” Barrett.
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Azonuchechi Chukwu.
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– Bob Marley’s guitarist Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett passes away at 77
– Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, guitarist for Bob Marley, dies at 77.
