In Summary
- Aston Barret “Family Man” who served as the rhythmic architect for reggae legends like Bob Marley has died
- Barrett’s death was announced on social media Saturday by his son Aston Barrett Jr.
- Barret’s Family asks for privacy
Aston Barret the Jamaican bassist known as “Family Man” who served as the rhythmic architect for reggae legends like 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. “With the heaviest of hearts, 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 just 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 challenging time, as words cannot express our profound loss.”
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Barrett And Bob Marley
Nearly every 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.
Minister of Entertainment Olivia Grange also announced the passing of Barrett on social media and expressed grief.
“I share with you my deep regret at the passing of Aston Francis Barrett, CD, popularly known as ‘Family Man’ or ‘Fams’. As a bass player, keyboardist and guitarist, he was one of the two famed Barrett brothers, Aston and Carlton, who were part of Bob Marley and the Wailers and Lee Scratch Perry and the Upsetters in the early years of Reggae Music,” Grange wrote.
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Reggae Artists Pay Tribute
Bob’s son Ziggy Marley wrote, “My teacher is gone. Aston Family Man Barrett his feel & style has inspired me & so many others. We will continue to study his genius for generations and miss his physical presence still his spiritual energy & teachings endures. Love to the Barrett family.”
UB40’s Ali Campbell added “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 enduring impact he made.”
As leader of Marley’s backing band, he was widely regarded as the man in charge of the overall song arrangements.
