Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his collaborations with music legends like 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 iconic reggae duo Sly and Robbie, also referred to as the Riddim Twins. The duo’s rhythmic contributions can be heard on numerous reggae classics by artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, gaining international recognition with collaborations with Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
Sly and Robbie’s musical prowess extended beyond reggae, as they worked on albums for various artists including Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan. Tributes poured in for Dunbar from fellow musicians like Ali Campbell of UB40 and members of the Rolling Stones, acknowledging his groundbreaking influence on modern music.
Dunbar’s musical journey included stints with the Revolutionaries at Jamaica’s Channel One studio, contributing to hits like Maxi Priest’s “Easy to Love” and Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party.” Nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, Dunbar clinched victory twice, with notable wins for Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” in 1985 and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends” in 1999.
Aside from reggae, Dunbar collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Joe Cocker, No Doubt, and Carly Simon. In 1980, Sly and Robbie co-founded Taxi Records, a label that fostered talents like Shaggy and Skip Marley. His impact on the music industry was recognized by producer Brian Eno, who praised Dunbar’s drumming skills as integral to countless reggae records.
The music world mourns the loss of Sly Dunbar, a true legend whose contributions will forever resonate across genres and generations.
