Music Discovery: Natty Wailer of Bob Marley and The Wailers
Reggae music’s trademark sound of one-drop rhythms, upstroke guitar chords, and lyrics of love and unity have stood the test of time. The genre began in the late 1960s in Jamaica and is the signature sound of the Summer all over the world ever since. Bob Marley and the Wailers were the true pioneers of the genre with some of the most famous Reggae hits of all-time.
56 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica will forever be known as one of the mystical locations associated with the genre. It was where Bob Marley once lived and where he set out to establish a musical collective of artists and fellow Rastafarians. One of the residents was Nathaniel Ian Wynter, also known as Natty Wailer, who played keyboards with Bob Marley and the Wailers. In addition to his work with Bob Marley and the Wailers, Natty also collaborated with Aston Barrett, Peter Tosh, Linval Thompson, King Tubby, and Dennis Brown over the years.
Natty Wailer carried on the legacy of Reggae music with his 2000 release Lifted. This 7-song album captures all the hallmarks of the genre with positive lyrics, melodic female harmonies, melodic organ, and an unmistakably infectious Reggae rhythm section. Here are a few highlights:
Lifted is a historic and authentic representation of the spirit of Reggae music. It’s the perfect scene-setter that adds a laid-back vibe of a leisurely summer day.
About Natty Wailer
- Born in Kingston, Jamaica on September 30, 1954.
- Natty played on some of Bob Marley and the Wailers' most famous albums, including Catch a Fire, Burnin', and Rastaman Vibration.
- He moved to Ireland in 2000 and became a regular performer at Irish music festivals.
- Nattyy was a Rastafarian and his music often reflected his religious beliefs
- He was a strong advocate for peace and social justice.
- He died on March 30, 2022, at the age of 67.
By Sarah Scarlata
