Long before Bob Marley became an iconic symbol of reggae, he was one of three vocalists in The Wailers, along with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Today, Wailer, born Neville Livingston, is the only surviving member. From 1963 to 1973, the three harmonized on songs they each wrote, backed by some of Jamaica’s top musicians. Soon the group was being pushed to tour extensively with Marley as the lead vocalist, and Wailer burned out after three months on the road in the U.K. and returned to Jamaica. In 1976, he established his solo career with the album Blackheart Man, a relaxed roots-reggae effort made special by Wailer’s gospel and soul-rooted vocals. Since then Wailer, a Rastafarian, has advocated for the decriminalization of marijuana, released albums with disco and dancehall beats, won three Grammys, and received media attention after accusing Snoop Dogg of exploiting Rastafarianism in a documentary in which they both appeared. Now touring again, reports from recent gigs note that Wailer has been doing memorable songs from his past like “Trenchtown Rock” and “Easy Skanking.” Not generic Caribbean songcraft, these timeless compositions mesh catchy melodies, passionate vocals, and potent rhythms. Bunny Wailer performs at 8 p.m. at the Howard Theatre, 620 T St. NW. $35–$75. (202) 803-2899. thehowardtheatre.com.