Bob Marley and the Wailers

Bob Marley and the Wailers
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1963
Founder	Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer
Headquarters	Jamaica
Products	Ska, rocksteady, reggae music

Bob Marley and the Wailers—initially known as the Wailers, the Wailing Rudeboys, the Wailing Wailers, and the Teenagers—originated as a Jamaican band specializing in ska, rocksteady, and reggae. Established in 1963 by Bob Marley (Robert Nesta Marley), Peter Tosh (Winston Hubert McIntosh), and Bunny Wailer (Neville Livingston), they played a crucial role as trailblazers in the reggae genre.

From 1970 to 1971, Marley, Tosh, and Wailer collaborated with renowned producers Leslie Kong and Lee "Scratch" Perry. Prior to their 1972 signing with Island Records, the group had already released four albums. After producing two additional records, Tosh and Wailer departed in 1974 due to disagreements over label issues and differing philosophies. Marley carried on with a revamped lineup that included the I-Threes, releasing seven more albums until his death from cancer in 1981, which led to the band's dissolution.

The Wailers significantly impacted ska and reggae scenes, delivering memorable tracks such as "Simmer Down," "Trenchtown Rock," "Nice Time," "War," "Stir It Up," and "Get Up, Stand Up."

Formation and Early Period

The group formed in 1963 when musician Peter Tosh connected with vocalists Bunny Wailer and Bob Marley. Initially named the Teenagers, they evolved through titles including the Wailing Rudeboys and the Wailing Wailers before settling on the Wailers.

Their 1964 hit "Simmer Down," recorded at Studio One with house band the Skatalites, topped Jamaican charts. This song was instrumental in transitioning Jamaican music from imitating foreign styles to establishing an authentic indigenous sound.

The band collaborated with producers Lee "Scratch" Perry and Leslie Kong—the latter employing his Beverley's All-Stars studio musicians—to create The Best of The Wailers.

By late 1963, additions such as Junior Braithwaite, Beverley Kelso, and Cherry Smith expanded the lineup. Braithwaite contributed vocals; Marley played guitar; Tosh handled keyboards; Wailer was on percussion; backing vocals were provided by Smith or Kelso. Kelso has recounted their recording experiences at Studio One under Coxsone Dodd’s guidance.

Kelso exited in 1965, followed soon after by Braithwaite—who led vocals on "It Hurts to be Alone"—leaving Marley, Tosh, and Wailer as a core trio. Their debut album, The Wailing Wailers, compiled various tracks from this timeframe.

In 1966, they launched their own rocksteady-focused label, Wail N Soul M. Between 1966 and 1967, Constantine "Dream" Walker contributed backing vocals.

Working again with Leslie Kong in May 1970, they released The Best of the Wailers (1971). During 1970–71, collaboration with Lee "Scratch" Perry yielded Soul Rebels (1970) and Soul Revolution Part II (1971). This period also saw Aston "Family Man" Barrett (bass) and Carlton Barrett (drums) join as supporting musicians.

Association with Island Records

In 1972, while in London, the Wailers aimed to meet Chris Blackwell, who had licensed some of their earlier works produced by Coxsone Dodd for Island Records. Although Blackwell initially questioned their royalty claims, he was captivated by their charisma and advanced £4,000 for an album without requiring a formal contract. With Jimmy Cliff recently departing Island, Blackwell viewed Marley as a promising figure to engage rock audiences due to his rebellious persona.

The foundational sessions for Catch a Fire took place at Harry J's studio in Kingston, utilizing advanced recording technology. These tracks were subsequently brought to Island Studios in London where Blackwell and Marley enhanced them to suit UK and US rock fans by introducing more hypnotic elements and restructuring arrangements. Overdubs included contributions from Wayne Perkins (guitar) and John "Rabbit" Bundrick (keyboard). Released in April 1973, Catch a Fire was followed by Burnin' in October 1973, featuring hits like "Get Up, Stand Up" and "I Shot the Sheriff", the latter famously covered by Eric Clapton reaching number one on US charts in 1974.

Departure of Tosh and Livingston and Introduction of the I-Threes

In 1974, Bunny Wailer (Livingston) exited the group due to conflicts with Blackwell over financial matters and venue arrangements. Peter Tosh openly criticized Blackwell for prioritizing Marley and issuing records under the name "Bob Marley and the Wailers" instead of simply "The Wailers." Marley proceeded with a revamped ensemble that included Aston Barrett on bass, Carlton Barrett on drums, lead guitarists Junior Marvin and Al Anderson, keyboardists Tyrone Downie and Earl "Wya" Lindo, percussionist Alvin "Seeco" Patterson, along with the female backing vocal trio known as the I-Threes: Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffiths.

The 1974 release Natty Dread, the first album without Tosh and Livingston, featured enduring songs such as "No Woman, No Cry" alongside politically motivated tracks like "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)." A live rendition of "No Woman, No Cry" reached number 22 on the UK charts in 1975.

Producer Lee "Scratch" Perry issued compilations Rasta Revolution and African Herbsman in 1974 containing earlier recordings, which sparked legal disagreements with Marley over copyright ownership.

The 1976 album Rastaman Vibration represented a significant breakthrough in the United States, climbing to number 8 on the Billboard 200. The politically charged track "War" incorporated words from a Haile Selassie address. To circumvent publishing conflicts, Marley attributed songwriting credits to relatives and associates such as Rita Marley and Vincent Ford.

Bunny Wailer debuted as a solo artist in 1976 with Blackheart Man, featuring contributions from both Marley and Tosh; Tosh also released Legalize It, which included performances by members of Marley's current band.

London Residency and the Exodus Era

Following an assassination attempt in Kingston in December 1976, Marley moved to London accompanied by most of his bandmates, adding guitarist Junior Marvin. They recorded Exodus, which was released in June 1977. This album blended reggae with influences from soul, blues, and rock genres, achieving top-20 status in both the US and UK markets. The title track was a response to Jamaican political slogans, while other songs like "Jamming", "Waiting In Vain", "One Love/People Get Ready", and "Three Little Birds" became emblematic hits. In 1999, Time magazine honored Exodus as the greatest album of the twentieth century.

In March 1978, the album Kaya was released; although it received less critical praise, it enjoyed commercial success, reaching the UK top five with popular tracks such as "Is This Love." The band embarked on an extensive European tour supporting this record, resulting in the live album Babylon by Bus.

Return to Jamaica and Final Years

Marley made his return to Jamaica in April 1978 to participate in the politically significant One Love Peace Concert, during which he famously brought together opposing political figures on stage. His growing focus on Africa was reflected in the explicitly political 1979 album Survival', which included songs like "Africa Unite," "Zimbabwe," and "Wake Up and Live." In 1980, Marley performed "Zimbabwe" at that nation’s Independence Day festivities.

After being diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma in 1977, Marley refused amputation of his toe due to his religious convictions and concerns about maintaining his performance abilities. Despite these health setbacks, he continued touring extensively.

The last album released while Marley was alive was Uprising (1980), which reinforced Rastafarian themes through tracks such as "Forever Loving Jah", "Redemption Song", widely regarded as one of his greatest works, and the hit single "Could You Be Loved." His final concerts took place in 1980; worsening health forced him to cease performing by September. He sought medical treatment overseas but passed away on May 11, 1981.

After Bob Marley's Passing

Island Records unveiled Confrontation in May 1983, two years following Marley's death. This album comprised previously unreleased demos, supplemented by backing vocals from the I-Threes. Its lead single, "Buffalo Soldier," successfully entered the UK top-10 charts.

Throughout the 1980s, reggae music experienced a surge in popularity, bolstered by the flourishing solo careers of former members Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. The 1984 release of Island Records' greatest hits collection, Legend, went on to become the highest-selling reggae album globally, with sales surpassing 28 million copies by 2024.

The original lineup faced tragic losses: Carlton Barrett and Peter Tosh were both murdered in 1987, while Junior Braithwaite was killed in 1999. Despite these setbacks, the band's influence persisted through ensembles such as The Wailers Band, established by Aston Barrett in 1989, and The Original Wailers, formed by Al Anderson and Junior Marvin in 2008.

In the decades that followed, other founding members passed away: Earl Lindo in 2017; Alvin "Seeco" Patterson and Bunny Wailer both in 2021; Tyrone Downie in 2022; followed by Aston Barrett and Donald Kinsey in 2024.

Enduring Impact

The album Catch a Fire was reissued in 2001 as a double-disc set presenting both the original Jamaican mixes alongside Blackwell's overdubbed versions. Additionally, in March 2013, Roots Reggae Library provided an extensive review of early Wailers recordings prior to their Island Records period.

Band Members

Bob Marley – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1963–1981; deceased 1981)
Peter Tosh – lead guitar, keyboards, vocals (1963–1974; deceased 1987)
Bunny Wailer – percussion, vocals (1963–1974; deceased 2021)
Cherry Smith – backing vocals (1963–1966; deceased 2008)
Beverley Kelso – backing vocals (1963–1965)
Junior Braithwaite – vocals (1963–1964; deceased 1999)
Constantine "Vision" Walker – backing vocals (1966–1967)
Aston "Family Man" Barrett – bass guitar (1970–1981; deceased 2024)
Carlton Barrett – drums, percussion (1970–1981; deceased 1987)
Earl Lindo – keyboards (1973, 1978–1981; deceased 2017)
Tyrone Downie – keyboards, percussion, backing vocals (1974–1981; deceased 2022)
Rita Marley – backing vocals (1974–1981)
Marcia Griffiths – backing vocals (1974–1981)
Judy Mowatt – backing vocals (1974–1981)
Al Anderson – guitar (1974–1975, 1978–1981)
Seeco Patterson – percussion (1975–1981; deceased 2021)
Earl "Chinna" Smith – guitar (1975–1976)
Donald Kinsey – guitar (1975–1976; deceased 2024)
Junior Marvin – guitar, backing vocals (1977–1981)

Discography

The Wailing Wailers (1965)
The Best of the Wailers (1970; released 1971)
Soul Rebels (1970)
Soul Revolution Part II (1971)
Catch a Fire (1973)
Burnin' (1973)
Natty Dread (1974)
Rastaman Vibration (1976)
Exodus (1977)
Kaya (1978)
Survival (1979)
Uprising (1980)
Confrontation (1983)

Tours

April to July 1973: Catch a Fire Tour (United Kingdom, United States)
October to November 1973: Burnin' Tour (United States, United Kingdom)
June to July 1975: Natty Dread Tour (United States, Canada, United Kingdom)
April to June 1976: Rastaman Vibration Tour (United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, France, United Kingdom, Wales)
May to July 1977: Exodus Tour (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, United Kingdom)
May to August 1978: Kaya Tour (United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium)
April to May 1979: Babylon by Bus Tour (Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii)
October 1979 to January 1980: Survival Tour (United States, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Bahamas, Gabon)
May to September 1980: Uprising Tour (Switzerland, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, United States)

External links