The famous Wailers’ bassist, known as Family Man, has passed away. In an emotional message shared on his Facebook page, Alpha Blondy announced the sad news while paying a heartfelt tribute to this iconic artist.
Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the former bassist of the Wailers and Bob Marley, is no more. He has laid down his guitar for good at the age of 77. The bad news was announced by the musician’s son. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of our beloved Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett’s passing after a long battle with illness,” Aston Barrett Jr. posted on Instagram.
Deeply moved by this news, the Ivorian and international Reggae star, Alpha Blondy, paid a glowing tribute through a lengthy post on Facebook. “A true legend, an icon has just gone out…Aston ‘FamilyMan’ Barrett, the bassist of Bob Marley, the conductor of the Wailers, and surely the world’s best Reggae bassist… A virtuoso who sits like a king in the Kingdom of Reggae bassists, probably the most listened to and the most imitated in history, playing on nearly every track by Bob Marley. What sad news,” wrote the Ivorian reggae star.
He continued by recalling his first meeting with Aston Barrett. “I had the honor of meeting Fams in 1984 during my first trip to Jamaica. I had come to the Reggae Sunsplash festival (Montego Bay) where I met Sky High, Ziggy’s manager at that time… We hit it off straight away and he introduced me to Family Man Barret to work in the studio with the Wailers…,” remembered Alpha Blondy.
“My brother Family Man, rest in Peace in the peace of God… you have greatly accomplished your mission by leaving behind an immense legacy of emotions, love, talent, and creativity!!!! Your work is eternal because Reggae is timeless music… You join your brothers and friends in the Pantheon of Stars, the Prophets of Reggae. Safe travels, thank you for everything my Friend and Brother…Condolences to your large family…,” concluded the reggaeman.
As a reminder, Family Man, who is the brother of drummer Carlton Barrett, has made significant contributions to the evolution of reggae and dub. Alongside Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailers, he played some of the finest notes of the music born in Jamaica. His departure is a great loss for reggae.
