Reggae icon Bunny Wailer dies at age 73

Bunny Wailer, one of the most influential singers in reggae music history, died Tuesday at age 73.

Along with young Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, the artist born Neville O'Riley Livingston co-founded vocal trio the Wailers, who played a crucial role in transforming early 1960s ska music into rocksteady and ultimately reggae.

Wailer's death was confirmed by his manager, according to The Associated Press. The cause of the death was not immediately known. Jamaican newspapers reported that he had a stroke about a year ago.

Best known for his work in songs including "Simmer Down," "Rude Boy," "Get Up, Stand Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," "Stir It Up," "Blackheart Man" and dozens more, Wailer's Zen-like approach to music creation helped manifest a whole new language, one focused on groove and vibe. After leaving the Wailers in 1973, Wailer carried on as a solo artist.

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