Aston "Family Man" Barrett

Artist

Aston "Family Man" Barrett

3

Releases

About

Jamaican Reggae Bass Player
Born: November 22, 1946, Kingston, Jamaica
Died: February 3, 2024, Florida, United States

Aston Francis Barrett, known globally as "Family Man," was a cornerstone in the world of reggae music, renowned for his groundbreaking work as the bass player and musical director for Bob Marley & The Wailers. His indelible bass lines and musical direction played a pivotal role in propelling reggae onto the world stage, helping to define the genre's sound for generations to come. Alongside his brother, drummer Carlton Barrett (1950-1987), Aston laid the rhythmic foundation that underpinned the Wailers' most iconic tracks, including "Jammin'," "Three Little Birds," and "I Shot the Sheriff."

Barrett's nickname "Family Man" was a testament to his role as a father figure within the band, as well as to his personal life, where he was a father to over 40 children. Sons include Floyd Barrett, Kevin Barrett, and Aston Barrett Jr.. His influence extended beyond his immediate family, as he mentored countless musicians, including Robbie Shakespeare of the famed rhythm duo Sly & Robbie, further cementing his legacy within the reggae community and beyond.

Prior to joining Bob Marley, Barrett and his brother were integral members of Lee Perry's The Upsetters, contributing to the development of the reggae sound. Even after Marley's untimely death in 1981, Barrett continued to perform and record with The Wailers, ensuring the band's music and message endured.

His contributions were recognized when he was made a Commander in the Order of Distinction, one of Jamaica's highest honors, for his services to music. Barrett's death marks the end of an era in reggae music, but his legacy is immortalized in the grooves of the genre's most beloved songs. His work remains a beacon for musicians and fans alike, embodying the spirit of reggae: unity, resistance, and the power of music to change the world.

Data provided by Discogs

Top Tracks

Most popular songs on Last.fm

1

Herb Tree

Aston "family Man" Barrett

2

Soul Constitution

Aston "family Man" Barrett

3

Deep River

Aston "family Man" Barrett

4

Family Man Mood

Aston "family Man" Barrett

5

Cobra Style (disco mix)

Aston "family Man" Barrett

6

Sly Mongoose

Aston "family Man" Barrett

7

Steppers Rock

Aston "family Man" Barrett

8

Elegant Dub

Aston "family Man" Barrett

9

Cobra Style Dub

Aston "family Man" Barrett

10

Dub Combination

Aston "family Man" Barrett

Releases

3 releases ยท data from Discogs

Community Feed

Posts from fans about this artist

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Upcoming Shows

No upcoming shows. Follow to get notified when new dates are announced.

Concert Tickets available at StubHub!

People Also Ask

Aston "Family Man" Barrett has released 3+ albums. Some of their notable releases include Well Pleased, Legendary Wailers In Dub, Familyman In Dub. Explore their complete discography on this page.

Some of Aston "Family Man" Barrett's most popular tracks include Herb Tree, Soul Constitution, Deep River, Family Man Mood, Cobra Style (disco mix). Listen to these songs and discover more from their extensive catalog.

Jamaican Reggae Bass PlayerBorn: November 22, 1946, Kingston, JamaicaDied: February 3, 2024, Florida, United StatesAston Francis Barrett, known globally as "Family Man," was a cornerstone in the world... Read the full biography on this page.

You can find Aston "Family Man" Barrett vinyl records and merchandise on eBay. We feature a curated selection of vinyl releases and collectibles available for purchase.

Join the community

Follow Aston "Family Man" Barrett

Get notified about new tour dates, releases, and updates. Join thousands of fans tracking their favorite bands.

Free forever ยท No credit card required

Follow Aston "Family Man" Barrett