Reggae drumming legend Sly Dunbar, whose revolutionary rhythms powered anthems of freedom from Bob Marley to Peter Tosh, has passed away at 73, closing the book on the iconic Sly & Robbie duo.
Story Highlights
- Sly Dunbar died January 26, 2026, in Kingston, Jamaica, at age 73, following partner Robbie Shakespeare’s death in 2021.
- As half of Sly & Robbie, Dunbar shaped modern reggae, playing on classics like Bob Marley’s tracks and Peter Tosh’s *Equal Rights*.
- His grooves pioneered “Rockers” style and influenced hip-hop through massive sampling, with producer Brian Eno noting they underpin 90% of reggae records.
- Family announced his passing; tributes pour in from UB40’s Ali Campbell and global music icons, cementing his enduring legacy.
Dunbar’s Death Marks End of Reggae’s Rhythm Masters
Lowell “Sly” Dunbar passed away on January 26, 2026, in Kingston, Jamaica, at age 73. His daughter Natasha confirmed the news to TMZ, while wife Thelma spoke to the Jamaica Gleaner. Born May 10, 1952, in Kingston, Dunbar began drumming at age 15 with the Yardbrooms.
His first recording appeared on Dave and Ansel Collins’ *Double Barrel* in 1969-1970, a U.K. #1 hit. This loss ends Sly & Robbie following Robbie Shakespeare’s 2021 death.
Sly Dunbar, Reggae Drummer Who Anchored Tracks From Bob Marley to Bob Dylan, Dies at 73 https://t.co/v0ngeamChB
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 26, 2026
Forming Sly & Robbie and Pioneering Reggae Grooves
Dunbar met bassist Robbie Shakespeare in 1972, and the pair formed Sly & Robbie, known as “The Riddim Twins.” They dominated Jamaica’s 1970s studio scene at Channel One and with producers like Lee “Scratch” Perry and Bunny Lee. Dunbar played for house bands including the Upsetters and Revolutionaries.
He pioneered “Rockers” grooves on Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves” (1976) and The Mighty Diamonds’ *Right Time* (1976), matching revolutionary lyrics with unmatched propulsion during Jamaica’s social unrest.
Grammy Wins and Global Crossovers
Sly & Robbie co-founded Taxi Records in 1980, launching Black Uhuru and Shaggy. Key works include Peter Tosh’s *Equal Rights* (1977) and Black Uhuru’s Grammy-winning *Anthem* (1985).
Their album *Friends* earned a 1999 Grammy. Dunbar contributed to digital reggae like Chaka Demus & Pliers’ “Murder She Wrote” (1993). He collaborated beyond reggae with Bob Dylan on 1980s albums, Grace Jones, the Rolling Stones, and UB40, mainstreaming the genre.
Producer Brian Eno observed in 1979 that 90% of reggae tracks likely feature Dunbar’s drumming, reused endlessly. His rhythms achieved Hot 100 #1s with “Close to You” and “Cheerleader,” blending reggae into pop and hip-hop sampling foundations.
Tributes Highlight Enduring Legacy
Natasha Dunbar stated, “Sly helped shape reggae… his legacy touched people around the world.” Ali Campbell of UB40 mourned, “Words cannot describe how heartbroken… Sly single-handedly pioneered” modern beats.
Rolling Stone praised his “nuanced, unhurried and rock-solid rhythmic approach” as masterful groove. Dunbar continued post-Shakespeare with projects like a 2008 collaboration with Larry McDonald and the 2011 documentary *Reggae Got Soul*. His work amplified reggae’s voice of protest and cultural pride.
Sources:
Reggae drumming legend Sly Dunbar dead at 73
Sly Dunbar, legendary reggae drummer who anchored tracks from Bob Marley to Bob Dylan, dies at 73
