An expected recognition is the one announced a week ago by the Government of Jamaica. The legendary bass player and one of the cornerstones of reggae, Aston “Family Man” Barrett has been awarded the Order of Distinction (Commander class), the sixth highest recognition in the reggae island honors system.
Barrett, of 74 years, was one of the driving forces behind the sound of The Wailers that helped make Bob Marley a superstar. But until this date, had never been recognized with a national honor of his country.
"It's about time he and Carly were recognized for what they did for Jamaica and music.", said his son Aston Jr., referencing Carlton Barrett, younger brother of Aston Barrett senior and drummer for The Wailers, who was murdered in Kingston at the 36 years in 1987.
The brothers were members of influential bands such as The Hippy Boys and The Upsetters., that they recorded for producers Bunny Lee and Lee “Scratch” Perry. It was with Perry that they endorsed The Wailers (Marley, Peter Tosh y Bunny Livingston) on songs like "Duppy Conqueror", “Small Axe” y “Mr Brown”.
The Barrets became the rhythm section of the group The Wailers, and when Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston left the band in early 1974, the Barretts stayed and were part of the movement that brought Marley to world fame.
It should be noted that on the island there are several musicians who have received the Order of Distinction (Order of Distinction in English), some of them are prince buster, Alton Ellis, Ken Boothe, Burning Spear, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Gregory Isaacs, Derrick Morgan, Rexton Gordon “Shabba Ranks”, Sean Paul, Rita Marley, y Yellowman.
By posting on your Instagram account, the musician thanked the recognition received, while prominent artists sent their respects in comments to the publication, as Ziggy Marley, Gramps Morgan de Morgan Heritage, Elan Atias, and Stephen “Cat” Coore de Third World.
Source: Jamaica Observer
