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, alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, formed the legendary reggae duo Sly and Robbie, also dubbed the Riddim Twins. The duo’s impact extended beyond Jamaica, collaborating on hits with artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh. Their talent caught the attention of international stars like Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.
Sly and Robbie contributed to several albums by Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan. Tributes poured in for Dunbar, with artists like Ali Campbell of UB40 and members of the Rolling Stones acknowledging his immense influence on modern music.
Having been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, Dunbar secured two wins, notably for Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” in 1985 and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends” in 1999. The duo also co-founded Taxi Records in 1980, launching the careers of artists like Shaggy and Shabba Ranks.
In addition to his reggae legacy, Dunbar collaborated with a diverse range of musicians, including Joe Cocker, No Doubt, Sinead O’Connor, and Carly Simon, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess across genres.