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Aston Barrett, the Jamaican bassist known as “Family Man” who served as rhythmic architect for reggae legends such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, Burning Spear and Augustus Pablo, has died at the age of 77.
Barrett’s death was announced on social media Saturday by his son Aston Barrett Jr. “It is with the deepest sadness that 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 only an iconic musician and the backbone of The Wailers, but an extraordinary human being whose legacy is as immense as his talent. “Our family asks for privacy during this difficult time as words cannot express our deep loss.”
One of Jamaica’s most renowned, prolific and influential studio musicians, Kingston-born Barrett, along with his younger brother and drummer Carlton, worked as a rhythm section for almost the entirety of Marley’s tenure as leader of the Wailers, playing the bass in a series of classic albums spanning from the 1970s. rebellious souls to the group’s posthumous 1983 LP Confrontation.
“The drum is the heartbeat and the bass is the backbone,” Barrett once said. “If the bass is not right, the music will have problems in the background, so it will be paralyzed.”
Almost from time to time-Legendary song by Marley and the Wailers featured Barrett’s bass work: “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Get Up, Stand Up,” “Stir It Up,” “Jamming,” “No Woman, No Cry,” “Three Little Birds, “Could You Be Love,” “Is This Love” and dozens more.
Barrett, nicknamed “Family Guy” for his patriarchal role as bandleader and musical director of the Wailers, “played a leading role in introducing the single-drop rhythm sound of reggae to international audiences.” Rolling Stone wrote in our list of the 50 greatest bassists of all time. “But the influence of the self-proclaimed ‘Architect of Reggae’ extended far beyond that genre, reaching pop, R&B and funk: his strutting bass line on the 1969 instrumental ‘The Liquidator,’ by Harry J. “All Stars, will end up serving as a direct model for the Staples Singers’ hit ‘I’ll Take You There’ three years later.”
While Barrett landed at number 28 in the Rolling Stone On the list, he was held in higher regard by his peers, including legendary reggae bassist Robbie Shakespeare, who mentored Barrett before founding his formidable rhythm duo Sly & Robbie.
“He should be number one (on the list). “He is the one who started it all,” Shakespeare said. Rolling Stone in 2020. ‘People think he played on (Bob Marley)’Concrete jungle,‘ but I played ‘Concrete Jungle’, I was just playing a style that was similar (to that of Barrett, who with the Wailers performed on the rest of catch a fire). But Family Man is the one who kicked my butt; “He was the one who told me to get up and do this.”
“It is with tears in our hearts and eyes that we share the news from Aston Barrett Jr. that his father, our dear friend and musical partner, Bredrin Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, has transitioned from the physical world,” Bob’s official said Marley. Social networks wrote on Saturday. “Every time we listen to music, we pay close attention to Fams’ genius on bass. A pioneer, unique, trendsetter, revolutionary in the musical space and, above all, as his name indicates, a true family man. Our deepest condolences to his family.”
Bob’s son, Ziggy Marley. wrote, “My teacher left. Aston Family Man Barrett, his sentiment and style have inspired me and many others. We will continue to study his genius for generations and miss his physical presence, but his spiritual energy and his teachings endure. Love to the Barrett family.”
Ali Campbell from UB40 aggregate, “His legacy will forever resonate through the timeless music he contributed to. May he rest in eternal peace and may his family find solace in the lasting impact he made.”
In addition to his decade-long stint with the Wailers, Barrett also was with Lee “Scratch” Perry’s Upsetters, the Aggrovators and King Tubby’s house band, and played on acclaimed reggae albums by Peter Tosh (Equal rights), Max Romeo (Revelation time), Keith Hudson (Choose a dub), and I-Roy (Truth and rights), to name just a few.
Barrett, who would later give “Family Man” a double meaning by fathering at least 50 children, sued Island Records in 2006, seeking £60 million in unpaid royalties for his work with the Wailers.
“Aston Barrett and his brother literally created the Wailers’ sound, although not for a minute to detract from Mr. Marley’s extraordinary songwriting ability,” Barrett’s attorney, Stephen Bate, told the court when the lawsuit came to a head. judgment. “It was the Barretts’ unique sound that brought the Wailers international success.” However, Barrett ultimately lost the lawsuit.
Despite not getting the financial recognition he deserved, Barrett was routinely honored by his fellow bassists, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Bass guitarist magazine. In 2021, Jamaica awarded Barrett an Order of Distinction for her role as the musical “backbone” of the country’s most enduring music.
“Aston’s music brought joy to millions, and his influence on reggae is beyond measure,” Barrett Jr. added of his father. “He was a man of few words, but his words conveyed wisdom, kindness and love. His bass lines were not only the foundation of The Wailers’ music, but also the heartbeat of a genre that has touched hearts around the world.”