Bunny Wailer has died at the age of 73. He formed The Wailers with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh in Jamaica in 1963. One of the most respected reggae musicians of his generation he was the last surviving member of the band that brought reggae to a global audience. Bob Marley died of cancer in 1981 and Peter Tosh was murdered in 1987.
The Trio had their first big hit in Jamaica in 1963 with ‘Simmer Down’. Other hits included ‘Trenchtown Rock’, ‘Nice Time’ ‘War’, ‘Stir It Up’ and ‘Get Up, Stand Up’. The original line up disbanded in 1974 and after that Bunny Wailer had a very successful solo career, receiving Grammy Awards in 1991, 1995 and 1997 for Best Reggae Album.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness tweeted, “This is a great loss for Jamaica and for Reggae, undoubtedly Bunny Wailer will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music industry and Jamaica’s culture. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
His importance as a cultural icon in his own country was cemented in 2017 when he received Jamaica’s highest honour, the Order Of Merit.
In honour of this hugely revered artist we are proud to present a brand new station devoted to his legendary contribution to reggae music.
