Sly Dunbar, an influential reggae drummer whose rhythms have powered countless classic tracks from Bob Marley to Bob Dylan, passed away at the age of 73. His death was confirmed by his wife, Thelma Dunbar, to the Jamaica Gleaner. As one half of the legendary rhythm duo Sly & Robbie, also known as "The Riddim Twins," Dunbar’s work left a lasting imprint on reggae and popular music worldwide.
Alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Dunbar was a foundational force in the reggae genre. Their inventive rhythms backed iconic artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, extending their reach beyond Jamaica to collaborate with internationally acclaimed performers including Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
The duo’s influence is evident in their contributions to three of Grace Jones’ albums: "Warm Leatherette," "Nightclubbing," and "Living My Life." Additionally, Sly & Robbie contributed to four albums by French artist Serge Gainsbourg and played on three Bob Dylan records: 1983’s "Infidels," 1985’s "Empire Burlesque," and 1988’s "Down in the Groove." These collaborations exemplify the duo’s ability to fuse reggae rhythms with diverse musical styles and audiences.
Singer Ali Campbell of UB40 expressed profound sorrow upon Dunbar's passing, stating on Facebook, "Words cannot describe how heartbroken I am to hear of the passing of my friend and legend. Modern day beats simply wouldn’t be what they are without the influence of reggae and dancehall riddims that Sly single-handedly pioneered."
Rolling Stone magazine paid tribute by highlighting Sly & Robbie as "undisputed masters of the art," noted for their "nuanced, unhurried and rock-solid rhythmic approach." Their distinctive style redefined the percussion foundation of reggae music. Robbie Shakespeare passed away in 2021, marking the loss of the second half of the iconic duo.
Throughout his career, Dunbar was also a core member of the Revolutionaries, the house band behind Jamaica’s Channel One studio, contributing to the development of reggae’s signature sound. His extensive session work includes performances on Junior Murvin’s "Police and Thieves," Maxi Priest’s "Easy to Love," the classic "Double Barrel" by Dave and Ansell Collins, as well as Bob Marley’s "Punky Reggae Party."
Recognized for his artistic excellence, Sly Dunbar was nominated thirteen times for Grammy Awards and won two: first in 1985 for Black Uhuru’s album "Anthem," which took the inaugural Grammy for best reggae recording, and again in 1999 when Sly & Robbie’s "Friends" earned the Grammy for best reggae album.
Further cementing their impact on the reggae industry, in 1980 Sly & Robbie co-founded Taxi Records. This label has been instrumental in fostering talent such as Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, Skip Marley, Beenie Man, and Red Dragon, providing a platform for the genre’s growth and international recognition.
Producer Brian Eno once commented at the New Music New York festival in 1979, "When you buy a reggae record, there’s a 90% chance the drummer is Sly Dunbar. You get the impression that Sly Dunbar is chained to a studio seat somewhere in Jamaica, but in fact what happens is that his drum tracks are so interesting, they get used again and again." This statement captures the profound ubiquity and enduring quality of Dunbar’s work in reggae music production.