At a Glance
- Sly Dunbar, 73, drummer and producer, dies after illness.
- Wife Thelma found him unresponsive on Jan. 26.
- He shaped reggae with Robbie Shakespeare, recorded ~200,000 tracks and earned 2 Grammys.
Why it matters: His death marks the loss of a foundational figure whose rhythms influenced artists worldwide.
Sly Dunbar, a pillar of reggae music, passed away at the age of 73 after a period of illness. His wife, Thelma, discovered him unresponsive at home on Jan. 26, and his family released a statement expressing gratitude for the support received during this difficult time.
Early Life and Rise
Lowell Fillmore Dunbar was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and grew up surrounded by a rich musical culture. He later became known simply as Sly Dunbar. His early influences included Skatalites drummer Lloyd Knibbs and other notable drummers such as Al Jackson, Wintston Grennan, and Paul Douglas. He said, “I respect all these drummers and have learned a lot from them. From them, I listened and created my own style,” highlighting how he blended their techniques into his own playing.
Sly and Robbie Legacy
Dunbar first made his mark as a backing drummer for the Jamaican reggae group The Revolutionaries. He and bassist Robbie Shakespeare eventually branched out as a duo, forming the legendary production and recording partnership known as Sly and Robbie. Together, they:
- Played on an estimated 200,000 recordings for artists ranging from Mick Jagger and Bob Marley to Bob Dylan and No Doubt.
- Won 2 Grammy Awards and received 13 nominations.
- Toured with the Rolling Stones in 1978.
- Launched their own label, Taxi Records.
- Released their most recent album, Dubrising, in 2014.
In a 2008 interview, Dunbar described his collaboration with Shakespeare: “It was like magic, I always say. We became producers because the radio was paying all these recordings for the producers and they were hitting. I looked down and said to Robbie, ‘What’s the future for us? We’re not owning ourselves on tape, producers are.’ So Robbie said, ‘I think we should try to own our own material, but we’re not going to stop doing sessions. We’ll play every day.’ So, we started doing songs.”
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Dunbar’s drumming appeared on a diverse array of projects:
- Mick Jagger’s solo album She’s the Boss.
- Bob Dylan’s Infidels and Empire Burlesque.
- Production work for No Doubt, including the tracks “Underneath It All” and “Hey Baby”.
- Co-writing and performing on Omi’s 2012 hit “Cheerleader,” which later gained worldwide popularity after a remix.
He also worked on recordings for artists such as Bob Marley, No Doubt, and many others, showcasing his versatility across genres.
Tributes and Legacy
After Dunbar’s passing, numerous figures in the music world paid tribute. Ali Campbell, lead singer of UB40, wrote on Facebook: “Modern day beats simply wouldn’t be what they are without the influence of reggae and dancehall riddims that Sly singlehandedly pioneered.”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness honored Dunbar on Facebook, noting: “He was a pioneer. He integrated electronic instruments into traditional reggae beats, keeping our music modern and relevant for decades. Despite his immense international success and his Order of Distinction, he remained a humble son of the soil, always ready to mentor the next generation.”
Dunbar’s family released a statement shared with TMZ, stating that his “extraordinary talent, innovation and lasting contributions will never be forgotten.” The statement also added, “Sly‘s music, spirit and legacy touched people around the world, and we are deeply grateful for the love and support during this difficult time.”
Key Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Lowell Fillmore Dunbar |
| Birthplace | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Age at death | 73 |
| Date of death | Jan. 26 |
| Major partnership | Sly and Robbie |
| Grammy wins | 2 |
| Grammy nominations | 13 |
| Estimated recordings | ~200,000 |
| Notable collaborations | Mick Jagger, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, No Doubt, Omi |
| Last album | Dubrising (2014) |
Sly Dunbar’s influence transcended reggae, leaving an indelible mark on global music. His rhythmic innovations continue to inspire producers, drummers, and listeners alike.
Takeaways
- Sly Dunbar was a transformative drummer and producer whose work spanned genres and decades.
- His partnership with Robbie Shakespeare produced a vast catalog, earning critical acclaim and industry awards.
- Tributes from peers and leaders underscore his lasting impact on music and culture.
- His death at 73 on Jan. 26 marks the end of an era for reggae and the broader music community.
