Reggae Legend Sly Dunbar Passes Away at 73

Reggae legend Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar passed away on Monday at the age of 73 at his residence in Kingston, Jamaica. His daughter, Natasha, confirmed his death, but details surrounding the cause remain unclear. Dunbar was part of the iconic Jamaican duo known as Sly and Robbie. This talented drummer leaves a profound legacy with a wealth of hit songs and musical accomplishments that will be cherished for years to come. Together with the late bassist Robbie Shakespeare, he played a pivotal role in shaping an era in reggae and dancehall music.

In a tweet, the Jamaica Observer announced, “Sly Dunbar, the legendary Jamaican drummer who rose to fame as a member of the production duo Sly & Robbie, has died.” The news broke early Monday morning, confirming he was 73 years old.

A family statement expressed gratitude for the support they received during this challenging time: “Sly’s music, spirit, and legacy touched people around the world.” His wife, Thelma, discovered him unresponsive earlier that morning, according to reports from Jamaican outlet The Gleaner. “I called my doctor and he gave me the news,” she shared.

Thelma mentioned that Dunbar had been dealing with an undisclosed illness prior to his passing, although he seemed upbeat after enjoying a day with friends just the day before.

Dunbar’s collaboration with Shakespeare resulted in over 200,000 songs, partnering with major artists like Madonna, No Doubt, and the Rolling Stones. They produced three albums with Bob Dylan in the 1980s and created memorable tracks for Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger’s “She’s the Boss,” and the Rolling Stones’ “Undercover.”

Their significant works also include “Starpeace” with Yoko Ono, “Throw Down Your Arms” with Sinead O’Connor, and “Hello Big Man” with Carly Simon.

The duo’s unique style has been influential in the evolution of reggae, particularly in the digital age, with hits such as “Murder She Wrote” in 1993 alongside Chaka Demus & Pliers. Dunbar also played drums on iconic songs like “Close To You” with Maxi Priest.

His drumming can be heard on many beloved reggae tracks, including Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party” and Junior Marvin’s “Police and Thieves.” Dunbar was a two-time Grammy Award winner, taking home the honors in 1985 and 1999. Fans are now sharing heartfelt tributes and memories on social media, remembering a true pioneer of reggae.