Aston Francis Barrett, commonly known as “Family Man” or “Fams,” has died at age 77 at the University of Miami Hospital in Florida in the United States on Saturday February 3, 2024.
The Jamaican musician and Rastafarian born on November 22, 1946 is a prominent figure in reggae, he played bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, and percussion instruments. Barrett, part of the Barrett brothers who played with Bob Marley & The Wailers, was the bandleader, co-producer, and responsible for overall song arrangements.
His character is played by his son Aston Jr. in the “Bob Marley: One Love” Movie set for released February 14.
The musician mentored Robbie Shakespeare of Sly & Robbie and Barrett played a significant role in shaping reggae’s bass and tone, contributing to the genre’s distinctive sound. He had legal battle in 2006 against Island Records for £60 million in unpaid royalties but lost the lawsuit.
Barrett, 60 at the time claimed he was owed royalties from a contract signed with Island Records in 1974, plus earnings from songs co-written with Marley, per BBC.
During the case, Rita Marley told the High Court that Barrett and his drummer brother Carly – who was murdered in 1986 – were “viewed as backing session musicians”.
Despite the setback, he received a Lifetime Achievement award in 2012, topped Bass Player Magazine’s legendary players’ ranking in 2020, and was honored with the Order of Distinction in 2021 in Jamaica. Barrett’s nickname “Family Man” originated from his foresight as a band leader, and he fathered 41 children. His influential bass playing received praise from artists like John Lennon, Ziggy Marley, and Keith Richards.
Jamaica’s Minister of Culture Olivia Baby Grange has paid tribute to the iconic musician saying,
“I share with you my deep regret at the passing of Aston Francis Barrett, CD, popularly known as ‘Family Man’ or ‘Fams’. As a bass player, keyboardist and guitarist, he was one of the two famed Barrett brothers, Aston and Carlton, who were part of Bob Marley and the Wailers and Lee Scratch Perry and the Upsetters in the early years of Reggae Music.”
Grange reflected on his contributions of the musician as the country celebrates Reggae Month, “As we commemorate Reggae Month 2024, I wish to express my sincere condolences to his wife, his children, his relatives and to members of the local and international Reggae Music fraternity.”
