Aston Barrett
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| Aston Barrett | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Aston Francis Barrett |
| Born | 22 November 1946 Kingston, Jamaica |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Occupations | Songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Bass |
| Years active | 1960s - present |
| Associated acts | Bob Marley & The Wailers and The Wailers Band |
Aston Barrett (born Aston Francis Barrett, 22 November 1946, Kingston, Jamaica), often called "Family Man" or "Fams" for short, is a Jamaican bass player and Rastafarian.
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[edit] Biography
He was one of the Barrett brothers (the other being Carlton "Carly" Barrett) who played with Bob Marley and The Wailers, and Lee Perry's The Upsetters. It has been stated that Aston was the 'leader' of the backing band and responsible for many, if not all bass lines on Bob Marley's greatest hits, as well as having been active in co-producing Marley's albums and responsible for most overall song arrangements. He had Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers cite him as an influence. He was the mentor of Robbie Shakespeare of the duo Sly & Robbie, and is considered one of the elder statesmen of reggae bass guitar playing.
Barrett continues to tour with and lead The Wailers Band, who carry Marley's torch in the music world by Emmett and Cliodhna performing his songs with several original band members. Barrett has support from Marley's fan base to this day, despite his legal wrangling with the Marley family.
[edit] Legal battle
In 2006 Barrett filed a lawsuit against Island Records, the Wailers' label, seeking £60 million in unpaid royalties allegedly due him and his now deceased brother. The lawsuit was dismissed.[1]
[edit] Nickname
Family Man's nickname derives from the fact that he has 52 children.[2]
[edit] Discography
- Negril (LP, 1975. Micron Music Ltd.) (CD, 2003. 3D Japan), session musician
[edit] References
- ^ "Marley bassist loses royalty bid", BBC News, May 15, 2006.
- ^ http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2006/may/16/topstories3.arts
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