Bunny Wailer, co-founder of the Wailers, dead at 73

Original Wailers member Bunny Wailer has died at 73.

According to a report in the Jamaican Observer, Bunny Wailer died at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica this morning.

Born in Jamaica’s Trench Town, Wailer (AKA Neville Livingston) was a founding member of The Wailers. He founded the group in 1963, alongside Bob Marley and Peter Tosh.

Wailer left the group in 1973 after a dispute with Island Records label head Chris Blackwell arose over touring issues. Following his departure, Wailer began his prolific solo career with 1976’s extraordinary Blackheart Man, a record that would come to exemplify his roots reggae sound and predominant Rastafari themes.

In a career retrospective interview with Afropop in 2106, Wailer had the following to say about the collaborative process between the original group: “The Wailers are responsible for the Wailers sound. Bob, Peter, and myself: We are totally responsible for the Wailers sound, and what the Wailers brought to the world, and left as a legacy.”

Wailer would go on to win three Grammy’s for his solo work.

Celebrate Bunny Wailer’s life and career with some of his timeless tunes below.

Legendary reggae producer Lee “Scratch” Perry, who worked with the Wailers extensively, spoke to us on the Bad Feeling Magazine podcast about working with the group, in addition to The Clash, and much more. Listen to the interview here.

Celebrate Bunny Wailer’s life and career with some of his timeless tunes below.