KINGSTON, Jamaica – Reggae icon Bunny Wailer died early Tuesday in Kingston, Jamaica, aged 73, his manager confirmed.
“Yes. He died this morning around 8:00 am. I’m still here with him,” Maxine Stowe told the Jamaica Observer.
(1/5) My condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary reggae artist Neville Livingston, also known as Bunny Wailer, JahB. pic.twitter.com/gPiMZOPEt0
– Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) March 2, 2021
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Wailer’s cause of death was not disclosed, but he had been hospitalized repeatedly since a second stroke in July 2020, BBC News reported.
Trench Town-born Neville O’Riley Livingston gave the legendary reggae ensemble The Wailers, which included both Peter Tosh and childhood friend Bob Marley, his stage name.
The world lost a LEGEND in Bunny Wailer. A native of Neville Livingston, was the last surviving member of The Wailers, which was founded in 1963 and recognized worldwide.
My condolences to his family, friends and all reggae fans worldwide!
Are you fine maestro! pic.twitter.com/MDTLZLTe3x
– Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) March 2, 2021
Before leaving in 1974 to pursue a solo career, Wailer became internationally known with reggae classics such as “Simmer Down” and “Stir It Up,” reported BBC News.
Meanwhile, Wailer’s solo career produced a number of hits including “Cool Runnings”, “Ballroom Floor”, “Crucial” and “Bald Head Jesus”.
Bunny Wailer went to the other side.
He was an original member of the Wailers with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. You have transformed music.
Bring your roots, radicals, rockers and reggae to Angels Bunny. https://t.co/SmR9H352zj
– Charlie Angus NDP (@CharlieAngusNDP) March 2, 2021
In 2017, the Jamaican government awarded the three-time Grammy winner an Order of Merit, the country’s fourth highest award, in recognition of his contribution to Jamaican music, and again honored him with a Reggae Gold Award in February 2019, the Observer reported.
Read more about Wailer’s career here.
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