Everyone loves a good Bob Marley tune during the summer. Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or driving with the windows rolled down, there’s nothing like the easy-going melody of “Three Little Birds”. Marley died in 1981, but his iconic legacy has remained. How did he shoot to stardom?
With Bob Marley lending vocals, the Wailers put reggae on the map outside of Kingston, Jamaica. Originally formed in 1963, Bunny Livingston and Peter Tosh helped Marley become the first “Third World Superstar” by bringing reggae from the Islands to every corner of the world.
The Wailers Band was formed by the remaining members in 1981, after the death of Bob Marley. The new band also added the I Threes (Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt & Marcia Griffiths) as backup vocalists. Led by Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the Wailers Band continued making authentic reggae rhythms.
The Wailers Band performed on the New Haven Green in Connecticut on June 24 as part of their ongoing tour. With a massive crowd grooving under clear skies, they played a two hour set of their originals (“Buffalo Soldier”, “I Shot the Sherriff”, “No Woman, No Cry”, “Stir It Up”).
The crowd swayed as lead vocalist, Josh Barrett, sang some Marley hits including a mashup of “Three Little Birds” and “One Love”. As the day turned to dusk, the Wailers finished with crowd pleasers, “Could You Be Loved” and “Jamming”.
Nearly 40 years after the loss of their original front man, the Wailers Band continues to spread the message of peace, love and positivity through their soulful music.
