Reggae Drum Pioneer Sly Dunbar Passes Away at 73

Celebrated reggae drummer Sly Dunbar’s rhythmic legacy lives on through decades of iconic music.

Legendary drummer Sly Dunbar on stage in London, 2009 (photo: Gus Stewart / Redferns)

A Rhythmic Journey Begins in Kingston

Let’s take a trip back to Kingston, Jamaica, in the early 1950s, where a young Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar was born on May 10, 1952. By the tender age of 15, he was already behind the drum kit, honing his craft in local bands. You know that feeling when you hear a beat that just sticks in your soul? That’s the magic Sly started weaving early on.

It wasn’t long before he crossed paths with Robbie Shakespeare in 1972, and together they formed the legendary rhythm section known as Sly and Robbie. Their synergy wasn’t just good; it was transformative. Before long, their infectious grooves became the backbone for reggae’s most influential artists like the Mighty Diamonds, Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, and Dennis Brown — artists who helped catapult reggae beyond Jamaica’s shores and onto the global stage.

Sly and Robbie: The Heartbeat of Reggae and Beyond

When you think of reggae’s pulse, Sly and Robbie’s drumming and bass lines are like the heartbeat you can’t ignore. Their craft was so on point that in the 1980s, they stepped beyond reggae to lend their signature rhythms to none other than Bob Dylan on his Infidels and Empire Burlesque albums. Talk about crossing musical boundaries!

They also became key collaborators for the inimitable Grace Jones, producing timeless albums like Warm Leatherette, Nightclubbing, and Living My Life. Their versatility shone even further when they worked with the Rolling Stones and jazz fusion legend Herbie Hancock, proving that their grooves were universal.

Taxi Records: The Powerhouse of Reggae Hits

In 1980, Sly and Robbie channeled their vision into founding Taxi Records, a label that would become a major player in reggae music. Taxi Records wasn’t just a business venture; it was a platform that helped launch and elevate artists like Black Uhuru, Beenie Man, and Chaka Demus and Pliers. These names aren’t just footnotes—they’re reggae royalty.

Fast forward to the early 2000s, and the dynamic duo made waves again by producing chart-topping hits for No Doubt, including “Hey Baby” and “Underneath It All.” Eleven Grammy nominations later, their influence and excellence speak volumes about their stature in music history.

A Legacy Imprinted on Reggae’s Finest and Beyond

Sly Dunbar’s drumming was also a critical part of sessions with Bob Marley, Junior Marvin, and Lee “Scratch” Perry—names that, to reggae fans, are practically sacred. The sudden passing of Robbie Shakespeare in 2021 at age 68 was a huge blow, leaving Sly as one of the last pillars of this iconic duo.

The music world mourned deeply. UB40’s Ali Campbell expressed heartfelt sorrow on social media:

“Words cannot describe how heartbroken I am to hear of the passing of my friend and legend.”

Remembering a Rhythmic Legend

Sly Dunbar’s passing at 73 leaves a quiet void in the world of reggae and music at large, but his rhythms continue to echo through time, influencing generations and enchanting fans worldwide.

FAQ

• How did Sly Dunbar start his music career?
  He began playing drums in local Jamaican bands at age 15, quickly rising through the ranks to become a foundational figure in reggae.
• What was Sly Dunbar’s partnership with Robbie Shakespeare known for?
  Together, they formed the rhythm section "Sly and Robbie," renowned for their pioneering reggae beats and collaborations with global music icons.
• Which famous artists did Sly Dunbar work with outside of reggae?
  Sly contributed to Bob Dylan’s albums, Grace Jones’ legendary records, sessions with the Rolling Stones, and jazz fusion artist Herbie Hancock.
• What is Taxi Records, and why is it significant?
  Founded by Sly and Robbie in 1980, Taxi Records became a major label supporting artists like Black Uhuru and Beenie Man, shaping reggae music’s evolution.
• How has Sly Dunbar’s influence endured over time?
  Through timeless productions, collaborations, and Grammy nominations, his rhythmic legacy continues to inspire musicians and listeners worldwide.

If you’re nostalgic for the golden age of reggae or just a fan of iconic music, why not bring a piece of that magic home? Shop your favorite album cover posters from our store here and keep the rhythm alive on your walls.