Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his work with iconic artists like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by Dunbar’s wife, Thelma, in a statement to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Dunbar, alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, formed the influential reggae duo Sly and Robbie, also known as the Riddim Twins. Their collaborations can be heard on classic reggae tracks by artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, earning them recognition beyond Jamaica, including from Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
The duo’s musical legacy extends to their contributions on albums by various artists like Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan. Notable works include Jones’s “Warm Leatherette,” “Nightclubbing,” and “Living My Life,” as well as Dylan’s “Infidels,” “Empire Burlesque,” and “Down in the Groove.”
Tributes poured in for Dunbar following the news of his passing, with artists like Ali Campbell of UB40 and members of the Rolling Stones expressing their condolences and acknowledging his influential role in shaping modern music. Sly and Robbie’s impact on the music industry was profound, with their innovative reggae and dancehall rhythms leaving an indelible mark on contemporary beats.
Dunbar’s illustrious career included collaborations with a diverse range of artists and bands, such as the Revolutionaries, Junior Murvin, Maxi Priest, and Steel Pulse. Nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, Dunbar clinched two wins, notably for Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends.”
In addition to his reggae endeavors, Dunbar ventured into other genres, collaborating with renowned musicians like Joe Cocker, No Doubt, Sinead O’Connor, and Carly Simon. His influence and musical prowess have left an enduring impact on the music industry, with his drumming prowess being a staple in reggae records and beyond.
Sly and Robbie’s legacy also includes the founding of Taxi Records in 1980, a record label instrumental in nurturing talents like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, Skip Marley, Beenie Man, and Red Dragon. Dunbar’s musical contributions will be remembered for generations to come, solidifying his status as a legend in the music world.
