Aston Barrett
Background information
Birth nameAston Francis Barrett
Also known asFamily Man
Born (1946-11-22) 22 November 1946
Kingston, Jamaica
GenresReggae
Occupation(s)Songwriter, musician, arranger, record producer
Instrument(s)Bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, percussions
Years active1962–2019

Aston Francis Barrett CD (born 22 November 1946), often called "Family Man" or "Fams" for short, is a retired Jamaican musician and Rastafarian.[1][2]

His strutting bass line on the 1969 instrumental track “The Liquidator,” by the Harry J. All Stars would end up serving as a direct template for the Staples Singers’ smash “I’ll Take You There” three years later.[3]

Biography

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Aston "Family Man" Barrett was one of the Barrett brothers (the other being the younger brother on drums Carlton "Carly" Barrett) who played with Bob Marley & The Wailers, The Hippy Boys and Lee Perry's The Upsetters.[4] He was the bandleader of Marley's backing band, as well as co-producer of the albums, and the man in charge of the overall song arrangements.[5]

Mentorship

Barrett was the mentor and teacher of Robbie Shakespeare of the duo Sly & Robbie.[6]

Equipment

Barrett played a Fender Jazz Bass, Acoustic 370 bass amplifier, Ampeg SVT bass amplifier.

In 2006 Barrett filed a lawsuit against Island Records, the Wailers' label, seeking £60 million in unpaid royalties allegedly due him and his now deceased brother. The lawsuit was dismissed.[7] The arguments by Island-Universal and the Marley family was that Barrett surrendered his rights to any further royalties in a 1994 settlement in exchange for several hundred thousand dollars. The judge agreed. As a result he faced about £2m in legal costs for the trial, forcing him to sell two homes in Jamaica.[8]

Nickname

Barrett's "Family Man" nickname came about before he had any children of his own. Aston foresaw his role as a band leader and started to call himself "Family Man". He has fathered 41 children since.[9]

Awards and recognition

  • In 2012 he received a Lifetime Achievement award from Bass Player Magazine.[10]
  • In 2020 he was selected as number-one by the staff of Bass Player Magazine, in their ranking of: ”20 legendary players who shaped the sound of electric bass."[11]
  • In 2021 he was honoured with the Order of Distinction (Commander class) in the National Honours and Awards on Jamaica’s 59th Anniversary of Independence.[12]

Quotes

Perhaps no music evokes the notion of bass and bass tone like reggae and dub, and no two words are more synonymous with those plucking practices than Family Man.[13]

There was bluebeat, rocksteady and ska. That all happened before reggae, which kind of happened in about '69, you know, when reggae as we know it was invented by the Barrett brothers, I'd say.[14]

In fact, if they really wanted the right sound, they should go to Jamaica! Go to the same studio that Bob Marley used! Get down with the Rasta men and smoke ganja in big spliffs or hash in chillums. Then they could get that deep-down, super funky, bass-box sound that comes from Trenchtown. You couldn't get that sound in New York. No way![15]

I think the drum and bass, they are a very important part in Bob music. It was, you know, Family Man and Carlton, two brothers. They have their own style.[16]

The first time the Wailers went to England, soon after this, I caught them by chance up in Tottenham Court Road. I thought they were pretty feeble compared to what I'd been hearing in Steer Town. But they certainly got their act together real quick. Family Man joined in on the bass, and Bob obviously had all of the stuff required.[17]

Well ... what can I say? He is the man (laughter). Just the way the man plays the bass, you know. There are gun fighters and there are gun fighters, seen? I can't tell you nothing more. He is a master for me. I have had help and influences from other people, but I have to give it mostly to Family Man.[19]

Discography

  • The Sound of Macka Dub (Carlton Barrett & Family Man) [aka Macka Dub] [197X]

Compilations

  • Familyman in Dub [197X]

Productions

  • Aston Barrett – Familyman in Dub [197X]
  • Burning SpearHail H.I.M. (1980), Radic
  • Horace Andy & Winston Jarrett & Wailers – The Kingston Rock [1974]
  • Keith HudsonPick A Dub [1974]
  • Various Artists – Cobra Style [197X]
  • Various Artists – Juvenile Delinquent [1981]
  • Iya Karna with the Wailers – Inkarnation [1986]

Albums engineered by Aston Barrett

Mixing engineer

Recording engineer

  • Various artists – Juvenile Delinquent [1981]

Engineer

As a musician he appears on

Bass

  • African BrothersWant Some Freedom [1970–78]
  • African Brothers & King Tubby – The African Brothers Meets King Tubby in Dub [197X]
  • AggrovatorsDub Justice [1975–76]
  • Aggrovators – Kaya Dub [197X]
  • Aggrovators – Reggae Stones Dub [1976]
  • Aggrovators & King Tubby's – Dub Jackpot [1974–76]
  • Aggrovators & Revolutionaries – Rockers Almighty Dub [1979]
  • Al CampbellGee Baby [1977]
  • Al Campbell – Loving Moods of Al Campbell [1978]
  • Alpha Blondy & Wailers – Jerusalem [1986]
  • Aston Barrett – Familyman in Dub [197X]
  • Augustus PabloDubbing with the Don [197X]
  • Augustus Pablo – King Tubbys Meets Rockers Uptown [1972–75]
  • Augustus Pablo – Original Rockers [1972–75]
  • Augustus Pablo – Original Rockers Vol. 2 [1989]
  • Augustus Pablo – The Definitive Augustus Pablo Box Set [197X-8X]
  • Augustus Pablo Meets Lee Perry and The Wailers Band – Rare Dubs [1970–71]
  • Augustus Pablo & Various Artists – Augustus Pablo Presents DJs From 70s to 80s [197X-8X]
  • Big JoeAfrican Princess [1978]
  • Bob Marley and the WailersSoul Rebels (1970)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Soul Revolution Part II (1971)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – The Best of The Wailers (1971)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Catch a Fire (1973)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Burnin' (1973)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Natty Dread (1974)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Live! (1975)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Rastaman Vibration (1976)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Exodus (1977)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Kaya (1978)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Babylon By Bus (1978)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Survival (1979)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Uprising (1980)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Live Forever (1980)
  • Bob Marley and the Wailers – Confrontation (1983)
  • Bunny WailerBlackheart Man (1976)
  • Burning SpearMarcus Garvey (1975)
  • Burning Spear – Garvey's Ghost (1976)
  • Burning Spear – Man in the Hills (1976)
  • Burning Spear – Dry & Heavy (1977)
  • Burning Spear – Marcus' Children – originally released as Social Living (1978)
  • Burning Spear – Living Dub Vol. 1 (1979)
  • Burning Spear – Living Dub Vol. 2 (1979)
  • Burning Spear – Hail H.I.M. (1980)
  • Burning Spear – Farover (1982)
  • Burning Spear – The Fittest of the Fittest (1983)
  • Carlton Barrett & Family Man – The Sound of Macka Dub [197X]
  • Delano Tucker – Gather Israelites [197X]
  • Delroy WilsonTrue Believer in Love [197X]
  • Dillinger24 Karat Gold Ragnampiza [197X]
  • Dillinger – CB 200 [1976]
  • Don CarlosJust A Passing Glance [1984]
  • Donald + Lulu With Wailers – Beautiful Garden [1982]
  • Errol Thompson & King Tubby – Holy War Dub [197X]
  • Glen Brown & King Tubby – Termination Dub [1973–79]
  • Haile Selassie I feat. Bob Marley & The WailersThe War Album [2001]
  • HeptonesUnreleased Night Food and Rare Black Ark Sessions [1976–77]
  • Horace Andy & Winston Jarrett & Wailers – The Kingston Rock [1974]
  • I-RoyTruths and Rights [1975]
  • Impact All Stars – Randy's Dub [1975]
  • Israel Vibration - "Unconquered People" [1980]
  • Iya Karna With Wailers – Inkarnation [1986]
  • Jackie MittooShow Case Volume 3 [1977]
  • Jacob MillerWho Say Jah No Dread [1974–75]
  • Jimmy LondonHold On [1977]
  • Jimmy London – It Ain't Easy Living in the Ghetto [1980]
  • Jimmy London – The Jimmy London Collection [197X]
  • Johnny ClarkeOriginally Mr. Clarke [1980]
  • Johnny Clarke & Delroy Wilson & Doreen Shaffer – Lovers Rock Vol. 2 [197X]
  • Josh HeinrichsJosh Heinrichs & Friends [2010]
  • Justin HindsTravel With Love [1982–84]
  • Keith HudsonPick A Dub [1974]
  • Keith Hudson – Torch of Freedom [1975]
  • Keith Poppin – Envious [1975]
  • Keith Poppin – Pop Inn [1977]
  • King TubbyAfrican Love Dub [1974–79]
  • King Tubby – King Tubby's Lost Treasures [1976]
  • King Tubby & Errol Thompson – The Black Foundation in Dub [197X]
  • King Tubby & Friends – Rod of Correction Showcase [197X]
  • KnowledgeStraight Outta Trenchtown [1975–80]
  • Larry Ethnic Meets Wailers With Various Artiste – Larry Ethnic Meets The Wailers with Various Artiste [1975]
  • Larry Marshall & King Tubby – I Admire You in Dub [1975]
  • Lee PerrySoundz from the Hotline [1976–79]
  • Linval ThompsonI Love Marijuana [1978]
  • Linval Thompson – Negrea Love Dub [1978]
  • Linval Thompson & Friends – Whip Them King Tubby [197X]
  • Little RoyTafari Earth Uprising [197X]
  • Lloyd Willis – Gits Plays Bob Marley's Greatest Hits [1977]
  • Max RomeoRevelation Time [1975]
  • Negril – Negril [1975]
  • Nuroy & Uroy – The Originator [1976]
  • Pablo MosesIn The Future [1983]
  • ParagonsNow [1982]
  • Pat KellyLonely Man [1978]
  • Peter ToshEqual Rights [1977]
  • Peter Tosh – Legalize It [1976]
  • Rita MarleyWho Feels It Knows It [1980]
  • Robert Marcey and Familyman with The Wailers – "Wailin' For Justice" [2010]
  • RoyalsDubbing with The Royals [197X]
  • Royals – Pick Up The Pieces [1977]
  • Rupie EdwardsIre Feelings [1975]
  • ScientistScientific Dub [1978–80]
  • Scratch and Company – Chapter 1, The Upsetters [1970–76]
  • Slim SmithThe Very Best Of [196X-7X]
  • Sly & Robbie Meet King Tubby – Reggae Rasta Dub [1974–77]
  • Sons of JahBankrupt Morality [1978]
  • Sons of Jah – Reggae Hit Showcase [1980]
  • Sons of Jah – Universal Message [1982]
  • Sydney Rogers – Miracle Worker [1974]
  • TennorsMoods [196X-7X]
  • Twinkle BrothersAll The Hits Vol. 2 [1971–91]
  • UpsettersBlackboard Jungle Dub [1973]
  • Various Artists – 17 North Parade [1972–75]
  • Various Artists – Aquarius Rock [197X]
  • Various Artists – Clocktower Presents Conquerors in Dub [197X]
  • Various Artists – Down Santic Way [1973–75]
  • Various Artists – Every Mouth Must Be Fed [1973–76]
  • Various Artists – Java Java Dub [1972]
  • Various Artists – Juvenile Delinquent [1981]
  • Various Artists – Kingston All Stars Meet Downtown at King Tubbys [1972–75]
  • Various Artists – Reggae Jeggae [1968–69]
  • Various Artists – Rite Sound Reggae Story [1980]
  • Various Artists – Santic and Friends [1980]
  • Various Artists – Sound System Rockers [1969–75]
  • Various Artists – Treasure Isle in Dub [1970–78]
  • Various Artists – Wonderman Years [1971–76]
  • Vivian Jackson – Ram A Dam [1976]
  • Bunny Wailer – Blackheart Man [1976]
  • Yabby YouThe Yabby You Collection [197X]
  • Yabby You & King Tubby – King Tubby's Prophesy of Dub [1976]
  • Yabby You & Various Artists – Jesus Dread [1972–77]

Rhythm guitar

  • Aggrovators & King Tubby's – Dub Jackpot [1974–76]
  • Aggrovators & Revolutionaries – Rockers Almighty Dub [1979]
  • Agrovators Meet Revolutionaries – Agrovators Meet Revolutionaries Part II [197X]
  • Bunny Wailer – Black Heart Man [1976]
  • Cornell CampbellDance in a Greenwich Farm [1975]
  • Delroy Wilson – For I and I [1975]
  • Johnny Clarke – Moving Out [1975]
  • Johnny Clarke – Put It On [1975]
  • Johnny Clarke – Rockers Time Now [1976]
  • Johnny Clarke – Sings in Fine Style [1975]
  • King Tubby – Dub from the Roots [1974]
  • Owen Gray – Forward on the Scene [1975]
  • Scientist – Scientific Dub [1978–80]
  • Sons of Jah – Universal Message [1982]
  • Tommy McCook & Aggrovators – Cookin [1975]
  • Various Artists – Juvenile Delinquent [1981]
  • Bunny Wailer – Blackheart Man [1976]

Keyboards

  • Bunny Wailer – Black Heart Man [1976]
  • Sons Of Jah – Universal Message [1982]
  • Various Artists – Juvenile Delinquent [1981]
  • Bunny Wailer – Blackheart Man [1976]

Organ

  • Aston Barrett – Familyman in Dub [197X]
  • Burning Spear – Farover [1982]
  • Sylford WalkerLamb's Bread [1978]
  • Vivian Jackson – Ram A Dam [1976]
  • Yabby You – Conquering Lion [1977]
  • Yabby You & King Tubby – King Tubby's Prophesy of Dub [1976]
  • Yabby You & Various Artists – Jesus Dread [1972–77]

Lead guitar

  • Sons of Jah – Universal Message [1982]
  • Various Artists – Juvenile Delinquent [1981]
  • Bunny Wailer – Blackheart Man [1976]

Guitar

  • Aston Barrett – Familyman in Dub [197X]
  • Bob Marley and the WailersUprising [1980]
  • King Tubby – The Roots of Dub [1975]
  • Rita Marley – Who Feels It Knows It [1980]
  • Wailers- Burnin' [1973]

Synthesiser

  • Aston Barrett – Familyman in Dub [197X]

Percussion

  • Aston Barrett – Familyman in Dub [197X]
  • Bob Marley and the WailersUprising [1980]
  • Burning Spear – Hail H.I.M. [1980]
  • Various Artists – Juvenile Delinquent [1981]

Piano

  • Aston Barrett – Familyman in Dub [197X]
  • Bob Marley and the WailersUprising [1980]
  • Larry Ethnic Meets Wailers with Various Artiste – Larry Ethnic Meets The Wailers with Various Artiste [1975]
  • Various Artists – Juvenile Delinquent [1981]

Syndrums

  • Various Artists – Juvenile Delinquent [1981]

Melinoco

  • Larry Ethnic Meets Wailers with Various Artiste – Larry Ethnic Meets The Wailers with Various Artiste [1975]

Bass drum

  • Burning Spear – Farover [1982]

Clavinet

  • Burning Spear – Farover [1982]

References

  1. "Lockdown Check-In With Aston "Family Man" Barrett: Aston "Family Man" Barrett". Bass Magazine. May 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  2. "Aston "Family Man" Barrett". Discogs.com. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  3. "Aston "Family Man" Barrett". Rolling Stone Australia. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  4. Campbell, Howard (20 April 2012). "Aston 'Familyman' Barrett: Rockstone Wailer". The Jamaica Observer. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
  5. Steckles, Garry (June 2006). "Family's fortunes: Aston "Family Man" Barrett". Caribbean Beat. No. 79. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  6. Taylor, Angus (26 June 2012). "Interview: Robbie Shakespeare". United Reggae. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  7. "Marley bassist loses royalty bid". BBC News. 15 May 2006. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  8. Lewis, Paul (16 May 2006). "Wailer with 52 children waits in vain for Marley's millions". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  9. Youngs, Ian (25 September 2013). "Keeping Bob Marley's Legend alive". BBC News. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  10. Campbell-Livingston, Cecelia (26 October 2012). "Bass Player honour for 'Family Man'". The Jamaica Observer. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  11. "The iconic bassists who developed the sound of low-end as we know it". BassPlayer. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  12. "Honours in order Ernest Ranglin, Aston Barrett, Lt Stitchie, The Mighty Diamonds to receive national awards". Jamaica Gleaner. 8 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
  13. "The iconic bassists who developed the sound of low-end as we know it". BassPlayer. 1 January 2020. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  14. "Reggae is as influential as it was in the 60's and 70's". BBC News. 4 February 2011. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  15. Goldman, Albert (1988). The Lives of John Lennon. Bantam Press. p. 644.
  16. Macdonald, Kevin (director) (2012). Marley (Documentary film). Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  17. Richards, Keith (2010). Life. Weidenfeld & Nicolson. p. 126.
  18. Greene, Jo-Ann. "Sly & Robbie". AllMusic. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
  19. Rao, Shivu (19 July 2009). "FCJ interviews Sly and Robbie". Fog City Journal. Retrieved 11 April 2019.
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