Downie joined Bob Marley and the Wailers in his late teens in the mid-1970s. He played keyboards on their albums beginning with 1976’s “Rastaman Vibration.” Downie’s second album with the Wailers was the acclaimed “Exodus,” featuring his piano on enduring songs including “Three Little Birds.” He remained with the Wailers until Marley’s death in 1981. Downie played keyboards with other reggae notables including Junior Reid, Burning Spear, and Steel Pulse, and he toured with Youssou N’Dour. In 2001, he released the solo album “Organ-D.”
Tributes to Tyrone Downie
RIP ma Bredda Tyrone Downie, Keyboardist/Pianist member of Bob Marley and The Wailers. 🙏🏼😞 pic.twitter.com/QD8TpyZCRQ
I am sad and shaken. An incredible talent in a lovely man, Tyrone Downie. The world is now less full of music than it was when you walked and played on it and my heart has another crack. Rest in Power my friend. Bubble on. pic.twitter.com/fGVnVRdfZy
Tyrone Downie, the Jamaican guy; a Wailer, a Compass Point All Star, a collaborator, a great keyboardist, an innovator, a beautiful man. You’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/2EUpnNr0Rp
— Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical (@GetUpStandUpLDN) November 7, 2022
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Wailers keyboardist, Tyrone Downie. Tyrone joined The Wailers just before the age of 20, making his recording début with the band on Rastaman Vibration. We are blessed to count him as a member of the Tuff Gong Family. pic.twitter.com/RFhmSJXGHb
— We are all warriors – Official (@STGuerreiros) November 7, 2022
Farewell Tyrone Downie, another one of the Wailers gone too soon💔 Here he is with Bob Marley and the rest of the band, on stage at the Bowl one fine day in 1980.
News editor, Legacy.com. Named 2017's Obituary Writer of the Year by the Society of Professional Obituary Writers. Quoted by CNN, the New York Times, and Macleans.
