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Junior Braithwaite

Junior Braithwaite was a Jamaican reggae musician, best known as the youngest and a foundational member of The Wailers, whose distinct vocals shaped the group's early sound.

1. Overview

Franklin Delano Alexander "Junior" Braithwaite (1949-1999) was a Jamaican reggae musician, best known as the youngest and a foundational member of the influential vocal group, The Wailing Wailers. Despite his relatively short tenure with the group, Braithwaite's distinct vocal talent, particularly his high-pitched lead vocals on early recordings, played a crucial role in shaping the band's initial sound. His contributions, though sometimes overshadowed by the later global success of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer, were instrumental in the Wailers' formative period, establishing a vocal foundation that garnered praise from industry figures like Studio One's Coxsone Dodd. His life after the Wailers saw him pursue other paths before a hopeful return to music was tragically cut short.

2. Early Life

Junior Braithwaite's early life began in Kingston, Jamaica, the vibrant capital city that would become the birthplace of reggae music.

2.1. Birth and Early Background

Franklin Delano Alexander "Junior" Braithwaite was born on April 4, 1949, in Kingston, Jamaica. Growing up in Kingston, he was immersed in a burgeoning musical scene, particularly as ska music began to gain significant popularity across the island in the early 1960s. This environment provided the backdrop for his entry into the music world at a young age.

3. Early Career with The Wailers

Braithwaite's musical journey began with his involvement in the formation of one of Jamaica's most iconic musical groups, The Wailing Wailers.

3.1. Formation and Early Activities

In 1963, as ska music was rising in popularity in Jamaica, Braithwaite joined Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh to form The Wailing Wailers. He was the youngest member of this nascent vocal group. Shortly after their formation, Beverly Kelso and Cherry Smith also joined the group as backing vocalists, further solidifying their lineup. Braithwaite's tenure with The Wailers lasted for eight months, during which he served as the lead vocalist on several notable early tracks. These songs included "Habits," "Straight and Narrow Way," "Don't Ever Leave Me," and "It Hurts To Be Alone." His vocal prowess was highly regarded by contemporary music figures. Coxsone Dodd, the founder of Studio One who was instrumental in discovering the band's talent, reportedly stated that Braithwaite possessed the "best voice" within The Wailers. Bob Marley himself later reflected on Braithwaite's unique vocal style, commenting, "Junior used to sing high. It's just nowadays that I'm beginning to realize that he sounded like one of the Jackson 5. When he left we had to look for a sound that Bunny, Peter and me could manage." This highlights the distinctive contribution Braithwaite made to the group's early sound and the challenge his departure posed for the remaining members.

4. Later Years and Career

After his departure from The Wailers, Junior Braithwaite embarked on a new chapter of his life, moving abroad and later attempting to reconnect with his musical roots in Jamaica.

4.1. Move to the United States

In 1964, Junior Braithwaite made the decision to leave The Wailers. He subsequently moved to the United States, driven by aspirations of pursuing a career in medicine. For the next two decades, he primarily resided in the American Midwest, spending a significant portion of his time in Chicago and southern Wisconsin. During these twenty years, he stepped away from the active music scene, focusing on his life and pursuits outside of the reggae world.

4.2. Return to Jamaica and Reunion Attempts

After two decades living in the United States, Braithwaite returned to Jamaica in 1984. His return was motivated by a desire to collaborate with Bunny Wailer on a Wailers' reunion project. This initiative aimed to bring the original members, or at least a significant portion of them, back together for performances. However, these plans for world tours with a reunited Wailers group ultimately did not come to fruition. The tragic murder of Peter Tosh in September 1987, one of the original founding members, significantly impacted and eventually led to the cancellation of these reunion endeavors.

5. Death

Junior Braithwaite's life came to a tragic end in his home country of Jamaica. On June 2, 1999, he was shot dead. The incident occurred at the home of fellow musician Lawrence Scott in Kingston, Jamaica.

6. Legacy and Evaluation

Although Junior Braithwaite's time with The Wailing Wailers was brief, his impact on the group's foundational sound and the early development of reggae music is significant. As the youngest member, his unique high vocal range was a distinctive feature of their initial recordings, earning him recognition as having the "best voice" by early industry figures like Coxsone Dodd. Bob Marley's later reflections on Braithwaite's vocal style underscore his irreplaceable contribution and the void left by his departure. While his career did not achieve the widespread fame of his former bandmates, Braithwaite remains an important figure in the history of The Wailers, representing a crucial, formative period for the iconic group. His early lead vocals on tracks such as "Habits" and "It Hurts To Be Alone" are testament to his talent and an integral part of the Wailers' early discography. His story highlights the often-complex trajectories of artists within the music industry, where foundational contributions can sometimes be overlooked in the shadow of later successes.