*Bob Marley's bass player has filed a lawsuit against the late reggae legend's family and record label, claiming he and his drummer brother were the "bedrock" of Marley's music, yet never received promised shares of his song royalties.
Aston Barrett (known as "Family Man" for fathering at least 52 children) and his late brother Carlton Barrett were longtime members of Marley's band, The Wailers. Aston’s lawsuit, filed Thursday in London's High Court, seeks to recover their share of royalties from such hit albums as "Natty Dread," "Rastaman Vibration" and "Babylon by Bus."
"Aston Barrett and his brother literally created the sound of the Wailers, though not for a minute to detract from the extraordinary songwriting ability of Mr. Marley," lawyer Stephen Bate told the court. "It was the Barretts' unique sound which brought the Wailers international success. The Barretts were the bedrock of the music."
Universal-Island Records Ltd. and the Marley family say Barrett gave up his right to further royalties in a 1994 agreement, which surrendered all claims in exchange for a payment of several hundred thousand dollars.
The hearing, attended by Bob Marley's widow Rita, is scheduled to last three weeks.