Bunny Wailer’s versions of Bob Marley songs were respectful, thoughtful yet innovative, bringing out his vocal range and understanding of the material. The wonderful album Tribute to commemorate his friend’s death was re-released on CD in 1990 as Time will Tell and won the reggae Grammy in 1991; his expanded album of Marley songs, Hall of Fame, won the 1997 Grammy.
His other Grammy, in 1995, for a collection of roots and political songs, Crucial, celebrated his willingness to use music to advance social change.
Wailer produced great dance material: Rock’n’Groove deserves to be a classic. He also had a sense of humour and style, captured on Live! in 1983. Although he rarely toured in Europe, I managed to see him once, in 1990, at Brixton Academy. When he came on, he said: “It’s been a long time. But I’m worth the wait.”
