Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his work with iconic artists like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 73, as confirmed by his wife, Thelma. Sly Dunbar, along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, formed the legendary reggae duo Sly and Robbie, also known as the Riddim Twins. The duo’s distinctive rhythm can be heard on hits 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’s musical collaborations extended across genres, contributing to albums by Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan. Their influence on modern music was acknowledged by artists like Ali Campbell of UB40, who highlighted Sly’s pioneering contributions to reggae and dancehall rhythms.
Having been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, Sly Dunbar clinched two wins for his work on Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” in 1985 and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends” in 1999. Additionally, in 1980, the duo co-founded Taxi Records, a platform that has nurtured talents like Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Skip Marley.
Sly Dunbar’s impact transcended reggae, as he collaborated with a diverse range of artists including Joe Cocker, No Doubt, and Carly Simon. His drumming prowess left an indelible mark on the music industry, with producer Brian Eno once remarking on the ubiquitous presence of Sly’s drumming in reggae records.
