Full Name: Neville O’Riley Livingston
Stage Name: Bunny Wailer
Date of Birth: April 10, 1947
Place of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica
Date of Passing: March 2, 2021 (aged 73)
Place of Passing: Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica
Genres: Reggae, Roots Reggae, Ska, Dancehall
Instruments: Vocals, Drums, Percussion
Occupation: Musician, Singer-Songwriter, Producer
Years Active: 1960–2020
Labels: JAD Records, Island/Tuff Gong, Shanachie, Solomonic
Associated Acts: The Wailers, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh
Early Life and Musical Roots
Born Neville O’Riley Livingston on April 10, 1947, in Kingston, Jamaica, Bunny Wailer was introduced to music at an early age. Raised in the vibrant community of Trench Town, he was exposed to the rich sounds of gospel and soul music, which would later influence his musical style. His stepbrother, Bob Marley, was a significant figure in his life, and together, they would go on to form one of reggae’s most iconic groups.
The Wailers: Formation and Rise to Prominence
In 1963, Bunny Wailer co-founded The Wailers alongside Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. The trio, initially joined by Junior Braithwaite and Beverley Kelso, began performing in the Trenchtown area. Their unique blend of ska, rocksteady, and early reggae caught the attention of producer Coxsone Dodd, leading to their first recordings.
The Wailers’ breakthrough came with the release of their 1973 albums, Catch a Fire and Burnin’, which introduced reggae to a global audience. Bunny Wailer contributed significantly to the band’s harmonies and percussion, with his compositions adding depth to their repertoire.
Solo Career: Blackheart Man and Beyond
After leaving The Wailers in 1974, Bunny Wailer embarked on a solo career that would solidify his status as a reggae legend. His debut album, Blackheart Man (1976), is considered a classic in the genre, showcasing his deep Rastafarian beliefs and commitment to roots reggae. The album’s themes of spirituality, social justice, and African identity resonated with audiences worldwide.
Wailer continued to release influential albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including Protest (1977), Struggle (1978), and In I Father’s House (1979). His 1982 composition “Electric Boogie” became a global dance sensation when Marcia Griffiths recorded it, leading to the popular “Electric Slide” dance.
Awards and Recognition
Bunny Wailer’s contributions to music were recognized with numerous accolades:
- Grammy Awards: Three-time winner for Best Reggae Album
- Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley (1991)
- Crucial! Roots Classics (1995)
- Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley’s 50th Anniversary (1997)
- Order of Jamaica: Awarded in 2012 for outstanding contribution to Jamaican music
- Order of Merit: Received in 2017, recognizing his exceptional contribution to the arts
- Pinnacle Award: Honored by the Coalition to Preserve Reggae in 2019
Discography Highlights
- Blackheart Man (1976)
- Protest (1977)
- Struggle (1978)
- In I Father’s House (1979)
- Bunny Wailer Sings the Wailers (1980)
- Hook Line & Sinker (1982)
- Roots Radics Rockers Reggae (1983)
- Rootsman Skanking (1987)
- Liberation (1989)
- Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley’s 50th Anniversary (1996)
- World Peace (2003)
- Cross-Culture (2009)
- Dub Fi Dub (2018)
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Bunny Wailer’s music transcended borders, influencing artists across genres and continents. His commitment to Rastafarian principles and his advocacy for African heritage resonated with audiences seeking spiritual and cultural connection. Beyond music, he was a vocal advocate for artists’ rights, pushing for copyright reforms and the establishment of a national museum to honor Jamaica’s musical heritage.
Personal Life and Beliefs
Bunny Wailer, a deeply spiritual man, embraced Rastafarianism, which profoundly influenced his music and worldview. He was known for his reclusive nature, preferring a life away from the limelight. Despite his fame, he remained grounded in his community and culture. In his later years, he faced health challenges, including a stroke in 2020, but continued to be active in music and advocacy until his passing in 2021.
Final Years and Passing
Bunny Wailer passed away on March 2, 2021, at 73. His death marked the end of an era for reggae music, as he was the last surviving member of The Wailers.
