Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his work with music icons like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 73. His wife, Thelma, confirmed the news to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Dunbar, along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, formed the famous reggae duo Sly and Robbie, also dubbed the Riddim Twins. The duo played on numerous reggae classics by artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, gaining international recognition through collaborations with Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
Sly and Robbie contributed to several albums by Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan. Tributes poured in from various artists, including Ali Campbell of UB40 and members of the Rolling Stones, acknowledging Dunbar’s pioneering influence on modern beats rooted in reggae and dancehall music.
Throughout his career, Dunbar played with the Revolutionaries at Jamaica’s Channel One studio, showcasing his talent on iconic tracks like Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves” and Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party.” His musical legacy was celebrated by peers like Leroy Sibbles and Steel Pulse, highlighting his lasting impact on the reggae scene.
Having been nominated for the Grammy Awards 13 times, Dunbar clinched victory twice, with Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” winning the first-ever Grammy for best reggae recording in 1985, and Sly and Robbie’s album “Friends” securing the best reggae album award in 1999.
In addition to his reggae endeavors, Dunbar collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Joe Cocker, No Doubt, Sinead O’Connor, and Carly Simon. His influence extended beyond reggae, with his profound drumming skills leaving a lasting mark on the music industry.
Sly and Robbie’s impact on the music world was further solidified in 1980 when they co-founded Taxi Records, a platform that nurtured talents like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, Skip Marley, Beenie Man, and Red Dragon. Producer Brian Eno once praised Dunbar’s drumming prowess, emphasizing his widespread presence in reggae music production worldwide.