Aston Barrett

The brotherly rhythm anchor who helped build the Wailers' global sound.

Aston "Family Man" Barrett is the foundational bassist who, alongside his brother Carlton on drums, formed the legendary rhythm section for Bob Marley & The Wailers. Recruited during the band's collaboration with producer Lee "Scratch" Perry in 1971, Aston provided the instrumental backing that defined the sound of their third album, Soul Revolution Part II. His melodic bass lines became integral to the group's evolution from a Jamaican ska act to an international reggae force.

Quick Facts

Birth name

Aston Francis Barrett

Alias

Family Man

Born

22 November 1946

Birthplace

Kingston, Jamaica

Died

3 February 2024

Place of death

Miami, Florida, U.S.

Instrument

Bass guitar
guitar
keyboards
percussions

Genre

Reggae

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

In 1971, Aston Barrett was recruited as part of the instrumental backing for The Wailers while they worked with Lee "Scratch" Perry. Alongside his brother Carlton on drums, Aston helped produce the band's third album, Soul Revolution Part II (1971). This period marked a pivotal shift in their musical direction, utilizing Perry's studio to craft a sound that would eventually catch the attention of Island Records. The rhythm section they formed became so essential that when the band signed with Chris Blackwell in 1972, Aston and Carlton were part of the core lineup sent back to Jamaica to record at Harry J's. Their work there created the foundational tracks for Catch a Fire, which was then overdubbed in London to appeal to rock audiences.

Reader's Guide

Aston Barrett's role as bassist was central to the band's sound from his recruitment in 1970/1971 through the departure of founding members Tosh and Livingston. He remained a constant figure when Marley formed the new lineup that included the I-Threes (Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths) for albums like Natty Dread (1974) and Exodus (1977). Aston and his brother Carlton provided the rhythm section for Bunny Wailer's 1976 solo debut Blackheart Man, as well as Peter Tosh's Legalize It. Even after the assassination attempt in December 1976 forced the group to move to London, Aston was part of the line-up that recorded Exodus, released in June 1977. His contributions ensured continuity through the band's transition from a trio to a larger ensemble featuring multiple guitarists and keyboard players.