A sad day for reggae. This Saturday the death of the historic Jamaican bassist was announced Aston “Family Man” Barrett to the 77 years at the University of Miami Hospital, in Florida.
The musician, director musical de The Wailers in his time of greatest success with Bob Marley, I had been going through some health problems for some time..
Aston Barrett Jr. confirmed the death of his father, an icon in Jamaican popular music.
“This morning the world lost not only 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 difficult time, as words cannot express our deep loss”, declared Barrett Jr.. in a post on their social networks.
“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 conveyed wisdom, kindness and love. His bass lines were not only the basis of The Wailers' music but the heartbeat of a genre that has touched hearts around the world.”, added Barrett Jr., who plays his father in the movie “One Love” soon to be released.
Aston Jr., who leads The Wailers since 2016, stressed that “We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of the journey with us. His love, support and kind words have been a source of strength during this difficult time. Let's remember 'Family Man’ for the legend he was and the incredible memories he has given us”.
The race of “Family Man” and its recognitions
His first band was called the Hippy Boys, who had talents like Max Romeo and his drummer brother Carlton “Carlie” Barrett, with whom he would form an extraordinary duo that would mark reggae from now on., among other things, with the popularization of “one drop”.
He would also be part of, along with his brother, The Upsetters, studio band Lee Perry, who participated in some albums with The Wailers as Soul Rebel Y Soul Revolution Part II at the beginning of the 70.
After the departure of Peter Tosh y Bunny Wailer de The Wailers, Bob Marley summoned the core of Uspsetters, with the Barrett brothers at the helm, and the group became Bob Marley & The Wailers.
From then on the success was immediate and “Family Man” He was the leader of Marley's backing band., as well as co-producer of the albums and the man in charge of the general arrangements of the songs.
Among the awards he received were the Lifetime Achievement Award de la revista Bass Player, in 2012; and in 2020 He was selected as the number one bassist by the magazine staff Bass Player, in his ranking of “20 legendary musicians who shaped the sound of the electric bass”.
Also in 2020 Magazine Rolling Stone located it in the place 28 in the list of 50 best bassists in history.
further, in 2021 was honored by the Government of Jamaica with the Order of Distinction (Commander class) in the National Honors and Awards on the 59th Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica.
Reactions to his death
The death of “Family Man” It occurs precisely in the celebration of Reggae Month in Jamaica and, in that sense, the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Grange, praised Barrett's impact and sent condolences to family members.
“This pioneer of Jamaican music was also a mentor to many Jamaican artists and musicians., including the 'Riddim Twins', Sly Dunbar y Robbie Shakespeare. As we commemorate Reggae Month 2024, I wish to express my deepest condolences to his widow, their children, to his family and members of the local and international reggae music fraternity. May the Angels welcome home Aston' Family Man’ Barrett a Mount Zion”, Grange posted on Instagram.
Ziggy Marley He also expressed his regret for the death of “Family Man”, whom he greeted as his teacher.
“My teacher is gone. Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, his feel and the spaces in his style have inspired me and many others in our own creation. We will continue to study his genius for generations to come.. We will miss his physical presence but his spiritual energy and teachings endure.. With love to Aston Barrett Jr and the entire Barrett family. RIP father. JAH Live”, Bob Marley's son wrote on Instagram.
At the same time, the latest Grammy winner for best reggae album, Kabaka Pyramid, wrote that the iconic bassist “will continue to make music in the ancient realms that resonate throughout the universe. Let us give thanks for his earthly life of absolute greatness”.
Another artist who expressed his feelings was Jesse Royal: “¡¡¡Yes Yes!!! My sincere condolences! Eternal gratitude!”.
At the same time, the actress Lashana Lynch, who plays Rita Marley in the biopic“Bob Marley: One Love“, shared his condolences with Barrett Jr. and said: “King, sending you and your family all the power and vibrations right now”.
While one of his daughters, Aiesha Barrett, He shared his pain over the death of his father, right on his birthday.
“Worst birthday ever! You were supposed to wait for me today, dad. I told you I'd come back to spend my birthday with you. What am I supposed to do now?! Because? Because today? You fought hard, the strongest soldier I have ever known, my hero forever. I love you for eternity”, says Aiesha on her Instagram account.
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