Reggae Drumming Icon Sly Dunbar Dead at 73
Renowned Jamaican musician and producer Sly Dunbar has passed away at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by his wife, Thelma, who revealed that she found him unresponsive on Monday morning. Doctors later pronounced him dead.
Dunbar's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. As one half of the production duo Sly and Robbie, he co-created countless global hits across multiple genres. His influence can be heard in thousands of recordings featuring an array of artists from both reggae and pop spheres, including Black Uhuru, Mick Jagger, and No Doubt.
Born Lowell Fillmore Dunbar, he started his music career at a young age by playing on his school desk and tin cans. By the time he was in his teens, Dunbar formed a rhythm section with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, who later became a key backing band for Jamaican reggae groups like the Revolutionaries.
Dunbar's persistent "rockers" drum pattern – showcased in hits such as Dave and Ansell Collins' Double Barrel – has become an enduring standard in roots reggae. The duo Sly and Robbie went on to collaborate with other prominent artists, releasing a steady stream of albums under their own label, Taxi Records. Their work also spanned collaborations with international stars like Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan.
Their music incorporated various styles, from harder, more energetic sounds for Black Uhuru's 1978 tour with the Rolling Stones to bright and melodic takes on dancehall with Chaka Demus & Pliers in the early 1990s. The duo also backed notable artists like Ian Dury, Joe Cocker, Jimmy Cliff, Gwen Guthrie, Mick Jagger, and No Doubt.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dunbar received numerous accolades, including being nominated for 13 Grammys – winning twice. Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and industry figures, who described him as a "true icon" and an "iconic drummer of all time."
Renowned Jamaican musician and producer Sly Dunbar has passed away at the age of 73. The news was confirmed by his wife, Thelma, who revealed that she found him unresponsive on Monday morning. Doctors later pronounced him dead.
Dunbar's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. As one half of the production duo Sly and Robbie, he co-created countless global hits across multiple genres. His influence can be heard in thousands of recordings featuring an array of artists from both reggae and pop spheres, including Black Uhuru, Mick Jagger, and No Doubt.
Born Lowell Fillmore Dunbar, he started his music career at a young age by playing on his school desk and tin cans. By the time he was in his teens, Dunbar formed a rhythm section with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, who later became a key backing band for Jamaican reggae groups like the Revolutionaries.
Dunbar's persistent "rockers" drum pattern – showcased in hits such as Dave and Ansell Collins' Double Barrel – has become an enduring standard in roots reggae. The duo Sly and Robbie went on to collaborate with other prominent artists, releasing a steady stream of albums under their own label, Taxi Records. Their work also spanned collaborations with international stars like Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan.
Their music incorporated various styles, from harder, more energetic sounds for Black Uhuru's 1978 tour with the Rolling Stones to bright and melodic takes on dancehall with Chaka Demus & Pliers in the early 1990s. The duo also backed notable artists like Ian Dury, Joe Cocker, Jimmy Cliff, Gwen Guthrie, Mick Jagger, and No Doubt.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dunbar received numerous accolades, including being nominated for 13 Grammys – winning twice. Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and industry figures, who described him as a "true icon" and an "iconic drummer of all time."
He was like the ultimate drumming legend! I mean, who else could rock that iconic "rockers" beat 
? His influence on music is still felt today and it's crazy to think he passed away at 73 
. As a huge fan of roots reggae, I'm so grateful for his contributions to the genre 
. Sly and Robbie's collaborations with international artists were pure genius 
. Dunbar's legacy will live on through their music and we'll keep dancing to those infectious beats 
#RIPslydunbar #ReggaeDrummingLegend #MusicLover
just found out that Sly Dunbar is gone 
at 73... still can't believe he's gone I mean, what was the point in his passing? 
he brought so much music into our lives... remember those sick rhythms on Double Barrel? 
and all the collabs with some legendary artists like Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger and No Doubt! 
but now it's just memories... 
always pushing the boundaries with that rockers drum pattern 
his influence on music is still so huge even after all these years 
gotta respect how he brought reggae to the mainstream like that 
and tributes from fellow musicians mean a lot 
especially for those who grew up listening to his work, it's like losing a family member 
. Can't believe another legend is gone, another door to endless playlists closed for good 
. What's next? The whole of Taxi Records' catalog just lost its magic 
this is gonna be another musician who's passed away at a ripe old age, leaving us with nothing but nostalgia for their greatness... like 73? that's not exactly ancient, but I guess it's enough to make you want to reminisce about the good ol' days of music 
Sly Dunbar's passing is such sad news, another music legend gone too soon 
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, it was always infectious. The way he blended rock and reggae styles created this unique sound that still resonates today 
. He was more than just a drummer - he brought energy & vibes to the music 
. I'm still jammin' to Double Barrel on repeat 
. Rockers drum pattern is legendary! 
. Let's celebrate his life & legacy through the music that made him unforgettable 
. He was one of those guys who truly understood how to make you move with his drums 
. And that "rockers" pattern of his... it's just iconic 
Sly Dunbar was such an influential figure in music history & his legacy will be felt for generations to come 
. He's also a reminder of the power of Jamaican culture & music in shaping global sounds 
. Sly Dunbar's passing is a loss for us all, but I hope his family finds some comfort in knowing how much he meant to fans like me 
. I mean, can you even imagine the sound of reggae without his iconic drum patterns? 
. Anyway, RIP Sly Dunbar - you may be gone but your music will keep rocking on forever 
?! what kind of crazy talent is THAT?! anyway, I guess we'll just have to keep rocking out to his legacy now 