Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his collaborations with iconic artists like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 73. The sad news was confirmed by Dunbar’s wife, Thelma, to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Dunbar, alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, formed the influential reggae rhythm duo known as Sly and Robbie, or the Riddim Twins. Together, they contributed to numerous reggae classics by artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, gaining international recognition working with musicians like Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
Their musical partnership extended to collaborations on albums by various artists, including Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan. Dunbar’s impact on modern music was acknowledged by artists like Ali Campbell of UB40, who praised him for pioneering reggae and dancehall rhythms that continue to influence contemporary beats.
Throughout his career, Dunbar earned 13 Grammy nominations and won twice, notably for his work on Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends.” His contributions to the music industry were celebrated by fellow musicians such as Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones, who recognized the duo’s significant influence on their music.
In addition to his reggae roots, Dunbar collaborated with a diverse range of artists outside the genre, including Joe Cocker, No Doubt, Sinead O’Connor, and Carly Simon. His legacy also extended to co-founding Taxi Records in 1980, a label that has supported and nurtured talents like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Skip Marley.
The reggae world mourns the loss of Sly Dunbar, a legendary musician whose drumming skills left an indelible mark on the music industry and inspired countless artists around the globe.