By: Christina Santi

Bunny Wailer, the last surviving founding member of the iconic reggae group The Wailers, died on Tuesday in his native Jamaica. He was 73.

Wailer, born Neville Livingston, died at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston where he had been hospitalized since December, according to CNN.

It is reported that Wailer was unwell since his second stroke in July 2020.

“We mourn the passing of this outstanding singer, songwriter and percussionist and celebrate his life and many accomplishments,” a statement released by Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport said. “We remain grateful for the role that Bunny Wailer played in the development and popularity of Reggae music across the world.”

Wailer formed The Wailers in 1963 with other reggae luminaries Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. The group led by Marley rose to international fame with the 1973 album Catch a Fire. They played a pivotal role in popularizing Rastafarian culture globally.

Marley died of cancer at the age of 36 in 1981. Tosh was shot and killed in Jamaica in 1987 at age 42.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness paid tribute to Wailer saying, “this is a great loss for Jamaica and for Reggae, undoubtedly Bunny Wailer will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music industry and Jamaica’s culture,” in a series of tweets.

(1/5) My deep condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary Reggae artiste, Neville Livingston, also known as Bunny Wailer, JahB. pic.twitter.com/gPiMZOPEt0

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) March 2, 2021

Wailer had a fruitful career. He won three Grammy awards throughout his career. One for Best Reggae Recording for “Time Will Tell — A Tribute for Bob Marley” in 1989. Two more for Best Reggae Album in 1991 and 1994, according to the Grammys website. In 2017, he was awarded Jamaica’s Order of Merit, one of the island’s highest honors.