Aston "Family Man" Barrett


Aston Francis Barrett, often called "Family Man" or "Fams" for short, is a Jamaican musician and Rastafarian.

Biography

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Aston "Family Man" Barrett was one of the Barrett brothers who played with Bob Marley and The Wailers, The Hippy Boys, and Lee Perry's The Upsetters. 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.
Barrett continues to tour with and lead The Wailers Band. He has great support from Marley's fan base to this day, despite his legal wrangling with the Marley family.
Barrett was the mentor and teacher of Robbie Shakespeare of the duo Sly & Robbie.
In 2012 he received a Lifetime Achievement award from Bass Player magazine.

Equipment

Barrett plays a Fender Jazz Bass guitar, Acoustic 370 bass amplifier.

Legal battle

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.

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.

Quotes

:
Ali Campbell :
Keith Richards :
Ziggy Marley :
John Lennon :

Discography

Mixing engineer

Rhythm guitar
Keyboards
Organ
Lead guitar
Guitar
Synthesiser
Percussion
Piano
Syndrums
Melinoco
Bass drum
Clavinet