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Straight From The Horse’s Mouth #1: Horsemouth Remembers Carlton Barrett

Harrison Stafford

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Welcome to the very first episode of Straight From The Horse’s Mouth, a short documentary series produced by Harrison “Professor” Stafford and featuring legendary Jamaican drummer Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace.

In this debut episode, Horsemouth shares heartfelt memories and deep musical insight about his longtime friend, the iconic Carlton Barrett—best known as the driving force behind the rhythm of Bob Marley & The Wailers. From the feel of the one drop to the spirit behind the music, this is history told by someone who lived it.

These are the stories you won’t find in books—raw, personal, and straight from the source.
Stay tuned for more episodes as Horsemouth takes us deeper into the roots of reggae music and the legends who shaped it.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive reggae history and culture.

#StraightFromTheHorsesMouth #HorsemouthWallace #CarltonBarrett #ReggaeHistory #BobMarley #ProfessorStafford #RootsReggae

20 Comments

@hklionheart8265 7 years ago

Reggae starts with the drums. It is the foundation. Without the foundation, you cannot build the house. One of the best reggae drummers ever.

@reggaeflex 6 years ago

Carlton Barrett and his brother Aston ''Family Man'' Barrett were my best bredren in the Wailers. Carly was the warmest kindest musician that I ever knew. He and Family Man would always look out for me. It was Carly that first taught me how to cook ital food as he and I would often take care of meal preparation in the Wailers camp. Carly wouldn't take no nonsense from anyone not even Bob Marley and he would often ''lick out'' if Bob did anything that he never approved. I recall one time during the Natty Dread sessions Bob began experimenting with a Rhythm King Rhythm box. Bob had heard Sly Stone using the Rhythm box on the song ''Family Affair'' and thought it was an interesting sound that he could try a thing with. Bob purchased the Rhythm King and began using while he and Family Man and I were creating songs like ''No Woman No Cry'', ''So Jah Seh'' and ''Natural Mystic''. Carly never liked the idea and would often tell Bob that he should '' Tek that bombart pon stage and mek dat play fi yuh.'' Everyone would crack up when Carly would have a go at Bob. Despite that Bob genuinely loved Carly and would not have replaced him with anyone or anything. Carly is the most distinctive and original drummer of the 20th century. Like my bredren Horsemouth said Carly's style didn't owe anything to any other drummer. He was strictly a one off kind of musician. He was an originator that set a trend in one drop Reggae. He and Family Man were responsible for providing the most distinctive sound that made the sound of the Wailers what it was. Credit and Kudos to Family Man who was NOT just another session player as I heard Rita Marley was reputed to have said. The fact is that it was Family Man who should have been given full production credits for Bob Marley's music. Family Man didn't simply play bass guitar. He additionally played acoustic guitar, piano, rhythm guitar in addition to ensuring that the ''sound'' of the music was right. Without Family Man and Carly Bob Marley's music would have never been what it is. Big up the ever living Carly Barrett. 👍👌😃💖💖💖

@BradPiano 6 years ago

I love Carly's playing. Especially on the Rastaman Vibration album. Unlike any other drummer.

@dublion7 8 years ago

My favorite drummer of all time. I’m a drummer too.

@MsWildberry 1 year ago

Without Carly Bob's music wouldn't have been what it is. Great tribute from Horsemouth also a King Drummer ❤💛💚🖤

@brodocbetty4856 3 years ago

His live playing was off the charts.

@alanche13 6 years ago

we went to Sunsplash in 1982, & after the concert went to Kingston by plane, to visit Tuff Gong. It was I, my wife Zahava & our tiny baby Kaya, age 6 months. Rita held her in her arms. Carly came out of the studio & shook my hand with a giant smile, & welcomed me as if I were a Prince. At that moment I was, iz. He the only Wailer & ever touched, but they all touched I n I. Continually. Full Respect for Him & Music***

@audleymclean3724 5 years ago

Horsemouth Wallace [in this video] is a great drummer himself.

@lefthandyogi 8 years ago

I always love Carly Barret's drumming - It's always surprising, when you think he's gonna play a cymbal he plays a roll, or whatever, always fresh and creative... What a terrible loss...

@souflotv 13 years ago

if you dont know you better get to know , A TRUE LEGEND , HORSE MOUTH WALLACE ,

@emac787 6 years ago

Jamaica's greatest drummer gone but not forgotten.

@heeltoeexpress 6 months ago (edited)

Reggae music was my spiritual awakening...Groundation, Israeli Vibration, Clinton Fearon, Marcus Gad, The Gladiators, etc....All had a big part on me finding the Lord and the I in I life, leading me towards the light. 🛐♥️✌🏻

@Davep-fb9rq 9 days ago

A superstar ✨️ 🙌 A LEGEND RIP 🙏

@markbryant8321 2 years ago

Just one fantastic drummer . There was only one him . Feel everything my fav reggae drummer ever before sly and the rest taken to soon ❤

@viliameroqica8558 6 years ago

The best drummer of all..

@MsSmudge14 13 years ago

I greatly admire his drumming technique, it's beautiful and difficult to stop listening. It's a shame he was taken too soon, I wish his family well.

@davecas3175 8 months ago

Amazing drummer

@xenophilos-m7j 2 weeks ago

A genius drummer. I try but can never be as good.

@martyeberle9620 7 years ago

Thank you Harrison "professor" Stafford for this beautiful tribute all too rare to Carlton Barrett, especially since he remains one of the best reggae drummers. I think he's the source of a lot of little things on the drums still used today by all the reggae drummers (well, they try! Not everyone is "Carly") That he's resting in peace.