Reggae legend Sly Dunbar has passed away at the age of 73. Known for his work with icons like Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones, he was a powerhouse in the music world. Along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, he formed the iconic duo Sly & Robbie, producing hits for reggae and pop artists alike.
Sly, born Lowell Fillmore Dunbar in Kingston, Jamaica, grew up inspired by drummers like Lloyd Knibbs from The Skatalites. He started playing on tin cans and, as he said in a 1997 interview, he wanted to be the hardest worker in the band. Fast forward to his teens, he teamed up with Robbie Shakespeare, and together they became known as the Revolutionaries, regulars at Channel One studio.
In the 1970s, they worked with major reggae names, like Gregory Isaacs and Barrington Levy. Legend has it they lived simply—on bread and water—while saving to launch their production company, Taxi Records. Founded in 1980, Taxi nurtured new Jamaican talents, including Shaggy and Beenie Man.
Dunbar’s drumming also played a key role in Grace Jones’s 1981 album, Nightclubbing, which crossed genres. They were instrumental in evolving reggae by blending electronic sounds, which helped shape the dancehall genre in the ’90s.
Estimates suggest Dunbar participated in over 200,000 recordings, either as a performer or producer. Brian Eno once remarked that buying a reggae record likely meant you were listening to a Sly Dunbar track.
Sly’s death was confirmed by his wife, Thelma, who found him unresponsive. Though he had been battling illness, she recalled a good day prior, filled with friends and laughter. Tributes flowed in for the drummer; British DJ David Rodigan called him a “true icon” and one of the greatest drummers in history.
As the music world mourns, Dunbar leaves behind a rich legacy of sound that shaped reggae and influenced countless artists across various genres. His innovative spirit continues to resonate, proving that great music knows no bounds.
For more insights on Sly Dunbar’s impact, you can visit The Gleaner for local coverage and tributes.
