Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a recipient of two Grammy Awards, known for his collaborations with music icons like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 73. The news of his demise was confirmed by his wife, Thelma, to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Dunbar, along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, collectively known as the Riddim Twins or Sly and Robbie, contributed to numerous reggae classics by artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh. Their musical influence extended globally, attracting attention from artists like Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
The duo played on multiple albums of Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan, including notable works like “Warm Leatherette,” “Nightclubbing,” and “Living My Life.” Tributes poured in from the music industry, with artists like Ali Campbell of UB40 expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Sly Dunbar, acknowledging his pioneering role in shaping modern beats through reggae and dancehall rhythms.
Sly and Robbie’s impact was also recognized by members of the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards, and Ronnie Wood, as the duo collaborated on various albums, including Mick Jagger’s solo work. Sly Dunbar, a part of the Revolutionaries, a prominent house band at Jamaica’s Channel One studio, contributed to several iconic tracks such as Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves” and Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party.”
Having been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, Dunbar’s notable wins include Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” for the best reggae recording in 1985 and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends” for the best reggae album in 1999. Furthermore, in 1980, Sly and Robbie co-founded Taxi Records, a label that fostered talents like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Skip Marley.
Recognized for his exceptional drumming skills, Sly Dunbar’s collaborations extended beyond reggae to encompass diverse artists such as Joe Cocker, No Doubt, and Sinead O’Connor. His contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark, with his drum tracks revered and reused across various genres.