Bunny Wailer (Neville O’Riley Livingston OM), reggae icon and co-founder of The Wailers, has died at the age of 73. Wailer’s death has been confirmed by Jamaica’s Minister of Culture Olivia Grunge at the request of his family on Tuesday.
Reportedly, Wailer’s health has been in decline following multiple strokes he suffered in recent years.
Wailer founded The Wailers in 1963 with Peter Tosh and Bob Marley, who was his childhood friend. He spent 11 years with the group and took part in the recording of six studio albums, including 1973’s Catch a Fire, which is widely viewed as one of the best reggae albums of all times.
As The Wailers gained more prominence on the international music scene and became centered on Marley, Wailer started questioning his role in the group. He officially exited in 1974, refusing to go on a U.S. tour, and opted to focus on his solo career.
Bunny Wailer released his debut solo album Blackheart Man in 1976. He did all the writing, singing, and producing on the record while also recruiting some of the notable reggae artists and his former bandmates, including Marley to give their contribution.
Blackheart Man was a big success and is now considered to be among the essential reggae records. It paved the way for Wailer’s successful and prolific career, which resulted in almost 40 albums, including studio releases, live concerts, and compilations.
Wailer won numerous awards and accolades for his work in music, including three Grammy Awards. He was also the recipient of the Order of Merit, the fourth-highest honor in Jamaica.
