Though overshadowed by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh in the original Wailers, Bunny Wailer is a rasta gold to any reggae enthusiast, a true living legend that's shaped and defined the genre for over 40 years. Bunny turns 63 today and we feel blessed to have him still spreading sweet music long after many of the pioneers he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with have gone away. JamBase raises a chalice to Mr. Wailer (actually born Neville O'Riley Livingston, but Bunny really suits him) and wish him many more natal days to come!
We kick off our lil' salute with the man in his solo fighting prime.
Here's a more recent example of Bunny putting some sunshine and skip into a German festival crowd in 2001.
This is a primo clip of The Wailers just as their star began to truly eclipse all other exports from Jamaica in the early '70s. Lordy, this band played so nice!
More vintage goodness from Bunny, Bob and Peter (and the rest of the way talented Wailers). Bunny's bone deep percussion is one of the hallmarks of this famous reggae number.
After he went solo, this track was one of Bunny's first big solo hits, and remains a staple of his live sets today.
A couple classics, “Cool Runnings" and “Ram Dance Hall," shot from the crowd last year in Amsterdam.
We end riding waterfalls and counting stars in “Dreamland." Happy birthday, Bunny!
