Aston “Family Man” Barrett

Aston “Family Man” or “Fams” Barrett, (pictured at right) was born November 22, 1946, in Kingston, Jamaica. Fams, as well as his brother Carlie, played with The Wailers, and Lee Perry’s The Upsetters. It has been stated that Barrett was the ‘leader’ of the rhythmic backing band and responsible for many, if not all bass lines on Bob Marley’s greatest hits, as well as having been active in co-producing Marley’s albums and responsible for most overall song arrangements. He is an influential musician, and many famed bassists give him credit as one of the pioneers of bass guitar. Flea, from The Red Hot Chili Peppers, regards the Family Man as one of his biggest influences. Barrett was also the mentor of reggae session bassist Robbie Shakespeare and is considered one of the elder statesmen of reggae bass guitar playing. He started playing bass by creating one from an upside down wash pan attached by fishing cord to a stick, while Carlton used an upside down cheese pan as his drum set.

Family Man’s nickname derives from the fact that he has 52 children.

In this clip from ‘The Old Grey Whistle Test”, you can really hear the ‘walking bass’ which was perfected by Barrett and his unique rhyhthmic sound.