Sly Dunbar, Legendary Reggae Drummer and One Half of Sly & Robbie, Passes Away at 73

Iconic reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, famed as part of the powerhouse duo Sly & Robbie, dies at 73, leaving behind a legacy that shaped generations.

Remembering the Rhythmic Genius of Sly Dunbar

When you think of reggae’s heartbeat, Sly Dunbar’s drumming style instantly comes to mind. The Jamaican legend, best known as one half of the iconic production duo Sly & Robbie, has passed away at the age of 73. The news broke on January 26, 2026, when his wife, Thelma, shared with Jamaican media the heartbreaking moment she found him unresponsive that morning. Though the cause of death remains undisclosed, he had reportedly been unwell for some time.

Sly Dunbar wasn’t just a drummer; he was a trailblazer who infused traditional Jamaican rhythms with rock, funk, and soul, crafting a sound that became synonymous with reggae’s golden age. His partnership with bassist Robbie Shakespeare began in 1972, and together, their groove powered an astounding 200,000 recordings.

Sly & Robbie: The Dynamic Duo That Redefined Reggae

From the early days, Dunbar and Shakespeare forged a musical connection rooted in their shared admiration for Motown, Philly soul, and the classic sounds of labels like Studio One and Treasure Isle. Their chemistry made them the go-to rhythm section for reggae legends such as Peter Tosh, Jimmy Cliff, and Black Uhuru.

As the 1980s rolled in, Sly & Robbie embraced the ‘rub a dub’ style and pioneered computer-assisted production techniques. Their talents caught the eye of Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who made them the heartbeat of the Compass Point All Stars. This collective produced groundbreaking albums for artists like Grace Jones, Gwen Guthrie, and Joe Cocker, blending reggae’s pulse with global pop flavors.

Global Collaborations and Lasting Impact

Sly & Robbie’s influence wasn’t confined to reggae circles. They lent their unmistakable rhythm section to Bob Dylan’s 1983 album Infidels and The Rolling Stones’ Dirty Work in 1986. Their versatility shone through collaborations with a star-studded array of musicians including Bootsy Collins, Jackson Browne, Joan Armatrading, Dennis Brown, Gary Barlow, Ian Dury, Yoko Ono, Sinéad O’Connor, and Simply Red.

They also carved out a niche producing their own albums, experimenting with electronic sounds and incorporating Latin and dancehall influences. Their 1987 single “Boops (Here To Go)” became a dancefloor favorite, illustrating their knack for evolving with the times while staying true to their roots.

A Drumbeat That Echoes Forever

Lowell Fillmore ‘Sly’ Dunbar was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on May 10, 1952. His musical journey began at age 15, and one of his earliest claims to fame was drumming on Dave and Ansell Collins’ “Double Barrel,” a UK chart-topper.

Their work with Peter Tosh wasn’t just prolific—they played on five of his albums—cementing Sly & Robbie as reggae’s definitive rhythm architects. Their pioneering spirit and adaptability earned them 13 Grammy nominations, with two wins: one in 1985 for Black Uhuru’s Anthem and another for their 1999 album Friends.

Sadly, Robbie Shakespeare, Sly’s partner in rhythm, passed away in 2021 at age 68 after kidney surgery, marking the end of an era for one of music’s most legendary duos.

Tributes Pour In From Around the World

Sly Dunbar
May 10, 1952 — January 26, 2026
Rest in Power 🕊

— The Wailers

Words cannot describe how heartbroken I am to hear of the passing of my friend and legend, Sly Dunbar 😢

— ALI CAMPBELL (UB40)

#SlyDunbar
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a true icon. One of the greatest drummers of all time. A producer of countless hits whose works defined the sound which the world knows as Reggae and Dancehall. A true gentleman of class & mentor to so many of us.

— Junior Rodigan

This is a special concert that took place in Germany in 1981. Black Uhuru were backed by Sly Dunbar, who died today, on drums, and Robbie Shakespeare on bass. The Black Uhuru members on this night were Michael Rose, Puma Jones, and Duckie Simpson. Sly plays the drums like a...

— Hopewell Chin’ono

A Legacy Beyond the Drumkit

Sly Dunbar’s death marks the loss of a true rhythmic visionary whose beats transcended genres and generations. From the streets of Kingston to global stages, his artistry helped shape modern music’s soundscape, leaving an indelible mark that will reverberate for years to come.

FAQ

• Who was Sly Dunbar?
  Sly Dunbar was a Jamaican drummer and one half of the legendary production duo Sly & Robbie, known for shaping reggae music's sound globally.
• What was Sly & Robbie’s biggest hit?
  Their 1987 single “Boops (Here To Go)” remains one of their most famous tracks, blending reggae with electronic and dance elements.
• How many Grammy Awards did Sly Dunbar win?
  He won two Grammy Awards: one for Black Uhuru’s Anthem in 1985 and another for Friends (1999) with Sly & Robbie.
• Who were some artists Sly Dunbar worked with?
  Sly collaborated with musical icons like Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Grace Jones, Jimmy Cliff, and many others.
• When did Robbie Shakespeare, Sly’s partner, pass away?
  Robbie Shakespeare died in 2021 at the age of 68 following kidney surgery.

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