Biography
The Wailers, formed in 1963 in Kingston, Jamaica, are widely regarded as one of the most influential reggae bands in history. The original lineup featured Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, who began their musical journey as The Teenagers before adopting the name The Wailers. Their early music was rooted in ska and rocksteady, reflecting the vibrant yet turbulent atmosphere of Jamaica in the 1960s. Their first major hit, 'Simmer Down,' recorded with the Skatalites at Studio One, became an anthem urging peace among Jamaica's youth and established The Wailers as a force in the local music scene.
As their sound evolved, The Wailers collaborated with legendary producers like Lee 'Scratch' Perry and Leslie Kong, incorporating deeper basslines and socially conscious lyrics that would come to define reggae. The addition of the Barrett brothers—Aston 'Family Man' Barrett on bass and Carlton Barrett on drums—further solidified their signature sound. Their partnership with Island Records in 1972, under the guidance of Chris Blackwell, marked their international breakthrough. Albums like 'Catch a Fire' and 'Burnin'' introduced reggae to a global audience, blending Jamaican rhythms with rock production techniques and addressing themes of resistance, unity, and spirituality.
After Tosh and Bunny Wailer departed in 1974, Marley continued to lead a new incarnation of the band, now known as Bob Marley and the Wailers, achieving worldwide fame until Marley's death in 1981. The Wailers' legacy endures through their timeless music, which has inspired countless artists and helped establish reggae as a global genre synonymous with messages of hope and social justice.
Fun Facts
- The Wailers' first hit 'Simmer Down' was a plea to Kingston's 'rude boys' to reduce violence, reflecting their commitment to social issues from the start.
- The band went through several names—including The Teenagers, The Wailing Rudeboys, and The Wailing Wailers—before settling on The Wailers.
- Eric Clapton's cover of 'I Shot the Sheriff' (originally by The Wailers) became a global hit and introduced reggae to mainstream rock audiences.
- After Bob Marley's death, various members continued to perform as The Wailers, with Aston 'Family Man' Barrett leading several touring lineups.
Members
- Junior Braithwaite (from 1963 until 1964)
- Bob Marley (from 1963 until 1966-02-11)
- Beverley Kelso (from 1963 until 1966)
- Cherry Smith (from 1963 until 1966)
- Peter Tosh (from 1963 until 1970-12)
- Bunny Wailer (from 1963 until 1970-12)
- Bob Marley (from 1966-10 until 1970-12)
- Aston “Family Man” Barrett (from 1969 until 1970)
- Carlton “Carly” Barrett (from 1969 until 1970)
- Bob Marley (from 1973 until 1974)
- Peter Tosh (from 1973 until 1974)
- Bunny Wailer (from 1973 until 1974)
- Carl Dawkins & The Wailers
- ジョー山中
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd - Studio One founder and early producer who guided the group during their formative years. (Produced 'Simmer Down' and early singles) [1963–1965]
- Lee 'Scratch' Perry - Innovative producer who shaped the band's sound with dub and experimental techniques. (Albums 'Soul Rebels', 'Soul Revolution Part II') [1970–1971]
Key Collaborators
- Aston 'Family Man' Barrett - Bass player who became a core member and musical director. (All major albums from 1970 onward) [1970–1981]
- Carlton Barrett - Drummer and key contributor to the band's rhythm section. (All major albums from 1970 onward) [1970–1981]
- The I-Threes (Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt) - Backing vocal trio who joined after 1974, providing harmonies and support. (Albums 'Natty Dread', 'Rastaman Vibration', 'Exodus') [1974–1981]
- Chris Blackwell - Island Records founder and producer who helped bring The Wailers to international prominence. (Albums 'Catch a Fire', 'Burnin'') [1972–1973]
Artists Influenced
- Ziggy Marley - Son of Bob Marley and leader of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, carrying forward the reggae legacy. (Albums 'Conscious Party', 'One Bright Day') [1980s–present]
- The Police - British rock band influenced by reggae rhythms and The Wailers' fusion of genres. (Songs like 'Roxanne', 'Walking on the Moon') [Late 1970s–1980s]
- Alpha Blondy - Ivorian reggae star who cites The Wailers as a primary influence on his music and message. (Albums 'Cocody Rock', 'Jerusalem') [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dub Marley | 2019-02-22 | Album |
| One World | 2020-08-21 | Album |
| Evolution | 2024-08-30 | Album |
| The Wailing Wailers | 1965 | Album |
| Life on a Rock | 2013-04-30 | Album |
| Lucky Old Sun | 2008-10-14 | Album |
| My Cup Runneth Over | 2020-06-19 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I Shot The Sheriff (Burnin' (Deluxe Edition))
- I Shot The Sheriff
- Get Up, Stand Up
- Cocody Rock - 2010 Remastered Edition (Cocody Rock !!! (2010 Remastered Edition))
- Jerusalem - 2010 Remastered Edition (Jerusalem (2010 Remastered Edition))
- Get Up, Stand Up (One Love (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
- Burnin' And Lootin' (Burnin' (Deluxe Edition))
- Get Up, Stand Up (Burnin' (Deluxe Edition))
- Vamos fugir (Participação especial de The Wailers) (Raça humana)
- Put It On (Burnin' (Deluxe Edition))
External Links
Tags: #jamaican-ska, #reggae, #rocksteady
References
Heard on WWOZ
The Wailers has been played 24 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.