The Wailers first took shape in the mid-’60s. Originally formed by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, the Jamaican reggae band’s line-up changed greatly over the years, but in the early ’70s featured a nucleus that also included Aston “Family Man” Barrett and his brother Carlton Barrett. By the mid-’70s, Tosh and Wailer departed while Junior Marvin, Al Anderson, Tyrone Downie, Earl “Way” Lindo, Alvin “Secco” Patterson and the I Three backing vocalists had come on board.
With the goal of promoting peace, love and equality around the world through the power of their ground-breaking blend of reggae, roots, ska and rock, Bob Marley And The Wailers recorded and toured together until Marley’s death in 1981.
During this span, they released 13 albums, starting with 1965’s debut The Wailing Wailers through to 1983’s Confrontation, which came out posthumously. Among the many hits were Trenchtown Rock, Duppy Conqueror, I Shot The Sheriff, Exodus, Jamming, Is This Love, Satisfy My Soul and No Woman, No Cry.
The Wailers, who can comfortably claim a place in era-defining music history, have continued to carry the reggae, roots and rock torch. Now led by those who were raised under their tutelage, Aston Barrett Jr, the son of the irrepressible “Family Man”, anchors of the band.
In 2020, The Wailers released the Grammy-nominated album One World featuring the powerful lead single One World, One Prayer. Produced and written by Emilio Estefan, the track mixed Jamaican reggae with elements of urban Latin music and contained vocals from Farruko, Shaggy and Bob Marley’s daughter Cedella and her son Skip.
The reggae mainstays' extraordinary musical journey continued in 2025 as they commemorated the 40th anniversary of acclaimed compilation album, Legend. Following the success of their 2024 tour, which honored Bob Marley's legendary album Legend, The Wailers are set to bring the entirety of Legend to life on stage, offering fans a unique and immersive experience.
Released in 1984, Legend remains the best-selling reggae album of all time, featuring timeless classics such as 'One Love', 'No Woman, No Cry', 'Redemption Song', and 'Three Little Birds'. The album's enduring impact has introduced generations of fans to Bob Marley's music, spreading his messages of love, unity, and resistance worldwide.
Under the skilled leadership of Aston Barrett Jr., son of the legendary Aston "Familyman" Barrett, The Wailers continue to preserve and enrich their timeless sound, bringing fresh energy and charisma to their electrifying performances.