Reggae Legend Sly Dunbar Dead at 73! Fans Devastated by Loss

Reggae has lost another legend. Sly Dunbar, the incredibly influential drummer and producer, best known as one half of the legendary "Riddim Twins," has passed away at his home at the age of 73. News of his death, which came this morning, January 26th, hits the reggae world hard on the heels of Stephen “Cat” Coore’s passing just last week. While the cause of death hasn’t been officially released, reports indicate that Dunbar had been struggling with health issues for some time. It’s a tough start to the year for Jamaican music, that’s for sure.

Reggae Legend Sly Dunbar Dead at 73! Fans Devastat...

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness was quick to acknowledge Dunbar's monumental impact, emphasizing his partnership with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, who sadly passed away in December 2021. Together, they were simply known as “Sly and Robbie,” or more affectionately, the Riddim Twins. Their sound was…well, it was *the* sound of a generation of reggae and beyond. [Quote from @AndrewHolnessJM on Twitter]

Minister Grange echoed this sentiment, calling Dunbar “one of the greatest drummers ever.” No hyperbole there. [Quote from @Babsy_grange on Twitter]

Nekeisha Burchell, the culture spokesperson for Jamaica’s opposition party, perfectly captured Dunbar's essence: “Sly Dunbar was rhythm, innovation, and excellence in motion. He represented the very best of Jamaican creativity — bold, original, and uncompromising in its quality. His contribution to our music industry helped position Jamaica as a cultural superpower long before the term became fashionable.” It's a fitting tribute to a man who truly shaped the landscape of Jamaican music.

Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar’s journey began on May 10, 1952, in Kingston, Jamaica. He picked up the sticks at the young age of 15 with a band called The Yardbrooms. Just three years later, at 18, he was already recording his first session, contributing to the hit “Double Barrel” by Dave and Ansel Collins. He then joined Skin, Flesh and Bones with Ansel Collins and bassist Lloyd Parks, and later The Revolutionaries, the house band at Channel One Studios. It was here that he crossed paths with Robbie Shakespeare in 1972, sparking a musical partnership that would redefine reggae. Think about that - a kid from Kingston already laying down the foundation of his legacy.

It was during his time with The Revolutionaries that Dunbar began to forge his signature “rockers” style. This was a more forceful, driving rhythm, leaning closer to rock music than the established “roots reggae.” The Revolutionaries also backed some of the biggest names in reggae in the 70s, including Gregory Isaacs and The Mighty Diamonds. He wasn't just playing; he was innovating.

Never content to stand still, Dunbar and Shakespeare launched their own record label, Taxi Records, in 1980, further cementing their influence and providing a platform for new talent. The Riddim Twins' influence is undeniable. From their groundbreaking rhythms to their production work, they touched countless artists and influenced generations of musicians. Sly Dunbar's passing marks the end of an era, but his music will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift for years to come.

[Image: Sly Dunbar, reggae drummer, on tour with Peter Tosh at Top Rank in Cardiff, Wales, on June 20, 1979. Photo by Tim Duncan via Wikimedia Commons, used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.]