Carlton Barrett was my favorite member of The Wailers. I have written several tributes to this man, who many consider to be the greatest reggae drummer that ever lived, and one of the greatest drummers ever.  Like many brilliantly gifted artists from the golden age of reggae, Carlton met an untimely, and brutally violent end at the hands of his own wife.  The motive for the murder of Carlton Barrett?  Royalties that he would probably never see anyways.

Here is a real gem among Wailers historians, collectors, and fans alike.  Carlton Barrett’s last rehearsal with The Wailers Band from April 10, 1987.  He would be brutally murdered in his front yard just 7 days later.  Carlton “Carly” Barrett, legendary reggae drummer and founding member of The Wailers Band, was dead at 36. Ironically, this was the age of Bob Marley when he passed 6 years prior.

Shortly after his murder, Carly’s wife, Albertine, her lover, a taxi driver named Glenroy Carter, and another man, Junior Neil, were arrested and charged with his killing. Albertine and Carter escaped the murder charge, and were instead convicted and sentenced to 7 years for conspiracy. After just one year in prison, they were released in December 1992 on a legal technicality.

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Roger Steffens’ Carlton Barrett Tribute Show

“Feel It In The One Drop” by Midnight Raver

Credit to Dubwise Garage for digitizing this audio!