Peter Tosh (d. 1987)

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Biography

Peter Tosh was a Jamaican musician and reggae singer. Along with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer, he was one of the core members of the band the Wailers (1963–1976), after which he established himself as a successful solo artist and a promoter of Rastafari. He was murdered in 1987 during a home invasion.

Timeline

The story of Peter Tosh, told in moments.

1944 Birth

Born Winston Hubert McIntosh in Grange Hill, Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica. His parents never married. Raised by an aunt in Trench Town, Kingston.

What was Trench Town like as a kid? How did being raised by your aunt shape you? Did you always have that rebel streak?

1963 Event

Co-founded the Wailers with Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer in Trench Town. Tosh played guitar and sang. They recorded their first single, "Simmer Down," which topped the Jamaican charts.

What was the chemistry between you, Bob, and Bunny? Did 'Simmer Down' topping the charts change your ambitions? Were the Wailers equals or was there always a hierarchy?

1976 Life

Left the Wailers. Released Legalize It, an album demanding marijuana legalization. The Jamaican government banned it. Tosh smoked a joint on stage in front of the Prime Minister.

Why was leaving the Wailers necessary? Did you expect Jamaica to ban Legalize It? What went through your mind smoking a joint in front of the Prime Minister?

1978 Event

Performed at the One Love Peace Concert in Kingston. On stage, he berated politicians for 45 minutes. Months later, police beat him severely. He said it was retaliation.

What made you berate politicians for 45 minutes on stage? Did you know the police beating was coming? Was the One Love concert genuine or theatre?

1987 Death

Murdered during a home invasion in Kingston. He was 42. Three armed men broke in demanding money. His friend and DJ Free I was also killed.

Were you afraid in those final moments? What would you want Kingston to remember about you? Did music give you the freedom Jamaica wouldn't?

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