One of reggae’s most important voices, Bunny Wailer, passed away. Bunny Wailer: Reggae legend who found fame with Bob Marley dies, aged 73.The reggae icon and founding member of the original Wailers trio with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, has passed away in Jamaica. According to his manager, Maxine Stowe, died Tuesday at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston.Bunny, real name Neville Livingston, cause of death have not been given. However, he’d been dealing with serious medical issues since suffering his second stroke in 2020.
Born in Jamaica, Livingston befriended Marley at a young age. Afterwards, they both went on to form the legendary reggae group with Tosh. While Marley and Tosh were the primary singers and songwriters, Bunny was known for his unbelievable melodies on their songs.In 1965 the trio released their debut album, “The Wailing Wailers,” before going on hiatus. Additionally, the group reunites again back in the ’70s. Around that time, Bunny wrote and recorded one of his most famous songs, “Dreamland;” which he later released on his solo album, “Blackheart Man,” in 1976.The Wailers reached international fame in 1973 with the release of “Catch a Fire” and follow-up album “Burnin'”However, their success ultimately led to the group splitting up.Bunny and Tosh both left the band in 1974. Nonetheless, Bunny would be forever linked to the rise of reggae along with Marley while having a successful solo career himself. He’d go on to work with Jamaican musicians, Sly and Robbie, and produce albums of several other artists.He was the last remaining member of the OG Wailers. Marley died of cancer in 1981, and Tosh was murdered by gunmen in an attempted robbery at his home in 1987.
