Wailer had been in the hospital since December and died at Kingston Medical Associates Hospital, Olivia Grange said Tuesday in the statement. No cause of death was reported. Grange said the statement was made at the request of Wailer’s family.
“We mourn the passing of this outstanding singer, songwriter and percussionist and celebrate his life and many successes,” the statement said. “We are still grateful for the role Bunny Wailer played in the development and popularity of Reggae music around the world.”
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness also hailed the legendary musician. “Bunny Wailer has made a huge impact on the world by setting the stage for a global movement of love for Rocksteady music and reggae. His legendary performances have touched the hearts and souls of millions of fans in Jamaica. and to everyone, “the prime minister said in a statement.
Wailer, whose name was Neville Livingston, was a founding member of the Wailers, according to the statement. The Wailers also included legendary Robert Nesta “Bob” Marley and Peter Tosh.
Wailer won three Grammy Awards throughout his career, two for best reggae album and one for best reggae recording for “Time Will Tell – A Tribute To Bob Marley,” according to the Grammys website.
According to the prime minister’s statement, the Jamaican government awarded Wailer the Order of Jamaica in 2012 and then in 2017 the Order of Merit, “the country’s highest honor.”
“Prime Minister Holness has expressed his sincere condolences to the Livingston family, friends, music colleagues and many supporters around the world,” the statement said.