Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a recipient of two Grammy Awards, has passed away at the age of 73. His wife, Thelma, confirmed the news to the Jamaica Gleaner. Sly Dunbar, along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, formed the iconic reggae rhythm duo known as Sly and Robbie, or the Riddim Twins. They contributed to numerous reggae classics by artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, gaining international recognition from musicians like Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
Sly and Robbie collaborated on several albums, including those of Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan. Notable works include Jones’s albums “Warm Leatherette,” “Nightclubbing,” and “Living My Life,” as well as Dylan’s “Infidels,” “Empire Burlesque,” and “Down in the Groove.” Tributes poured in for Sly Dunbar, with artists like Ali Campbell of UB40 expressing sorrow over the loss and recognizing his groundbreaking influence on modern music.
Dunbar, a member of the Revolutionaries and a sought-after drummer, contributed to various albums such as Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves,” Maxi Priest’s “Easy to Love,” and Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party.” He received 13 Grammy nominations, winning twice for Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” in 1985 and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends” in 1999 in the best reggae recording categories.
In 1980, Sly and Robbie established Taxi Records, fostering talents like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Skip Marley. Known for his distinctive drumming style, Sly Dunbar’s impact transcended reggae, collaborating with diverse artists like Joe Cocker, No Doubt, and Carly Simon. His musical legacy continues to resonate across genres and generations.