Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his collaborations with iconic artists such as Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 73. His wife, Thelma, confirmed the sad news to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Dunbar, along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, formed the acclaimed reggae rhythm duo Sly and Robbie, also referred to as the Riddim Twins. Together, they contributed to numerous reggae classics by artists like Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, gaining international recognition for their work with musicians such as Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
Their collaborations extended beyond reggae, with Sly and Robbie playing on albums by artists like Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan. Tributes poured in for Dunbar, with singer Ali Campbell of UB40 expressing deep sorrow over the loss and acknowledging Sly’s pioneering influence on modern beats rooted in reggae and dancehall music.
Dunbar’s musical legacy includes his contributions to various albums and tracks, including those by Mick Jagger, the Rolling Stones, and Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party.” Nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, Sly Dunbar clinched two wins during his career, notably for Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends.”
In addition to his reggae roots, Dunbar collaborated with a diverse range of artists such as Joe Cocker, No Doubt, Sinead O’Connor, and Carly Simon. His impact on the music industry was profound, with producer Brian Eno once remarking on Sly Dunbar’s ubiquitous presence in reggae records as a testament to his talent and versatility.
Furthermore, Sly and Robbie co-founded Taxi Records in 1980, fostering the careers of artists like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Skip Marley. The music world mourns the loss of a true legend whose drumming skills left an indelible mark across genres and generations.