Peter Tosh

Peter Tosh with bassist Robbie Shakespeare during the Bush Doctor tour in Cardiff, 1978.
Image: TimDuncan. CC BY 3.0. Source.

Summary

Peter Tosh (1944–1987) was a Jamaican singer, songwriter and instrumentalist, a founding Wailer and a major solo voice in reggae. His work joined roots reggae with outspoken demands for dignity and justice.

Life and career

Born Winston Hubert McIntosh, he formed the Wailers with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer in Kingston in 1963. His songs and musicianship contributed to the group's development before he pursued a solo career in the 1970s. He died in 1987.

Music and style

A rich baritone and versatile instrumental work gave his performances weight. Rastafarian conviction and criticism of abuses of power shaped much of the writing. The message could be direct and confrontational, but musical collaboration remained important, including his duet with Mick Jagger on '(You Gotta Walk) Don't Look Back'.

Works and performances

Legalize It (1976), Equal Rights (1977) and No Nuclear War (1987) are central solo albums. 'Stop That Train' and 'Get Up, Stand Up', the latter written with Marley, connect that later work with the Wailers repertoire. The official archive continues to present his recordings, interviews and performances as a related musical and political legacy.