Aston Family Man Barrett

The role of the bass guitar in reggae was established by bassist, producer, arranger, and engineer Aston "Family Man" Barrett. With his brother, Carlton "Carlie" Barrett, on drums, Barrett provided the essential rhythmic foundation for the recordings and performances by Bob Marley from 1969 until Marley's death in 1981. The undistorted but melodic baritone tones of Barrett's bass have also been heard on recordings by artists ranging from Alpha Blondy and Burning Spear to late pop singer John Denver. Barrett launched his career in the Kingston nightclubs, playing guitar in a ...