Reggae drummer and producer Sly Dunbar dies at 73

Sly Dunbar, the legendary Jamaican drummer and half of the iconic production duo Sly & Robbie, has passed away at the age of 73. Known for his influential work across reggae and beyond, Dunbar contributed to timeless tracks like Bob Marley’s ‘Punky Reggae Party’ and the hit ‘Double Barrel’ by Dave and Ansell Collins. Alongside Robbie Shakespeare, he helped shape the sound of modern reggae with innovative rhythms, particularly the ‘rockers’ style, and produced hits for artists ranging from Peter Tosh and Black Uhuru to international stars like Grace Jones, Bob Dylan, and Madonna. Born Lowell Fillmore Dunbar in Kingston, Jamaica, he began drumming inspired by Lloyd Knibbs and the Skatalites. He and Shakespeare founded Taxi Records in 1980, which launched the careers of several Jamaican artists including Shaggy and Beenie Man. Dunbar’s wife, Thelma, discovered him unresponsive at home, though no official cause of death has been reported. Tributes have poured in, with many praising him as one of the greatest drummers of all time and a true icon of reggae music. Dunbar’s legacy is preserved in thousands of recordings, influencing generations of musicians worldwide.