Bob Marley and The Wailers

Years Active: 1963–1981
Core Members:

Bob Marley – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriter
Peter Tosh – Guitar, vocals (1963–1974)
Bunny Wailer – Percussion, vocals (1963–1974)
Aston “Family Man” Barrett – Bass (1969–1981)
Carlton Barrett – Drums (1969–1981)
The I-Threes – Backing vocals: Rita Marley, Marcia Griffiths, Judy Mowatt (1974–1981)
Genres: Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, Roots Reggae
Known For: “One Love,” “No Woman, No Cry,” “Get Up, Stand Up,” “Redemption Song,” “Jamming,” “Exodus,” “Three Little Birds”

Overview

Bob Marley and The Wailers were more than a band—they were a movement. From their humble beginnings in Trenchtown, Kingston, they rose to become the most iconic reggae group in the world, spreading messages of love, resistance, and Rastafari consciousness across borders, languages, and generations.

Led by the magnetic and prophetic Robert Nesta Marley, the group evolved from ska and rocksteady pioneers into global ambassadors of reggae music. Their songs offered both spiritual guidance and political defiance, addressing themes of freedom, oppression, African identity, and human unity.

Their impact is unparalleled. Bob Marley and The Wailers brought reggae to international stages, helping define Jamaica’s national identity while influencing music, fashion, and protest culture worldwide.

Origins and Early Years (1963–1966)

Formed in 1963 as The Wailing Wailers, the original group featured Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Livingston (Wailer), with support from Junior Braithwaite and vocalists Beverley Kelso and Cherry Smith. Inspired by American R&B, soul, and doo-wop, their early music reflected urban Kingston’s energy.

Their breakout hit, “Simmer Down” (1964), produced by Coxsone Dodd at Studio One, topped Jamaican charts and spoke to the violence in Kingston’s ghettos. During this period, the group recorded several ska and rocksteady classics, including:

“Rude Boy”
“Put It On”
“It Hurts to Be Alone”

By 1966, Marley briefly relocated to the U.S. to work and support his family, returning with a stronger vision and deeper connection to Rastafari.

Spiritual and Political Awakening (1967–1972)

During the late 1960s, the Wailers’ music shifted toward roots reggae, embracing spiritual and socio-political themes. Working with producer Lee “Scratch” Perry, they recorded raw, rootsy classics such as:

“Soul Rebel”
“Small Axe”
“Duppy Conqueror”

Perry’s backing band, The Upsetters, would later form the core of the Wailers’ rhythm section, including the Barrett brothers—Aston (“Family Man”) on bass and Carlton on drums.

In 1972, the group signed with Island Records under Chris Blackwell, making them the first reggae act to receive rock-style production and international marketing.

Global Breakthrough (1973–1974)

The Island debut album “Catch a Fire” (1973) was revolutionary. With its sophisticated sound and album packaging, it introduced reggae to white rock audiences. Follow-up albums like:

“Burnin’” (1973)
(Featuring “Get Up, Stand Up” and “I Shot the Sheriff” — later a hit for Eric Clapton)

…cemented the group’s international reputation.

However, tensions over creative direction and beliefs led to Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer departing in 1974 to pursue solo careers. Bob Marley retained the group’s name and recruited a new lineup, including the I-Threes as backup singers.

Bob Marley and the Wailers (1974–1981): The Legend Grows

This era saw Marley’s greatest creative and commercial triumphs. Albums such as:

“Natty Dread” (1974)
“Rastaman Vibration” (1976)
“Exodus” (1977)
“Kaya” (1978)
“Survival” (1979)
“Uprising” (1980)

…blended politics, mysticism, and celebration. Songs like “No Woman, No Cry,” “One Love,” “War,” and “Redemption Song” became universal anthems.

During this period, Marley survived an assassination attempt (1976), performed at the Smile Jamaica Concert, and later united rival politicians Michael Manley and Edward Seaga on stage at the One Love Peace Concert (1978).

Final Years and Passing

Diagnosed with melanoma in 1977, Marley continued touring and recording despite declining health. His final tour—the Uprising Tour—included the historic show at Madison Square Garden and was his largest to date.

Bob Marley passed away on May 11, 1981, in Miami, Florida, at the age of 36. He was buried in his birthplace, Nine Mile, St. Ann Parish, Jamaica. At his state funeral, he was honored as a national hero.

Cultural Legacy

Bob Marley and The Wailers helped reggae evolve from local music to a global force for cultural identity and resistance. The band’s influence extends far beyond music:

Spiritual Voice of Rastafari
Political Power through lyrics addressing colonialism, Pan-Africanism, and oppression
Fashion Icons of dreadlocks, red-gold-green, and conscious style
Global Brand: Marley’s name continues through the Marley family’s music, activism, and business ventures.

They remain the most influential band in reggae history.