Sly Dunbar Dies: Legendary Sly and Robbie Drummer Was 73

Michelle Stein
Sly and Robbie
Everett Collection

What To Know

  • Legendary reggae drummer Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, best known as one half of Sly and Robbie, died at age 73.
  • Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare were influential in shaping reggae music, collaborating with major international artists and winning two Grammy Awards.
  • Tributes from fans and fellow musicians worldwide highlighted Dunbar’s innovative drumming and lasting impact on both reggae and global music.

Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar — the reggae musician who was one-half of the rhythm section duo, Sly and Robbie — is dead at 73.

On Monday, January 26, Dunbar died at his home in Kingston, Jamaica, his daughter, Natasha Dunbar, confirmed to TMZ. His cause of death has not been shared publicly.

“As one half of Sly & Robbie, Sly helped shape the sound of reggae and Jamaican music for generations,” a statement from his family read. “His extraordinary talent, innovation, and lasting contributions will never be forgotten. Sly’s music, spirit, and legacy touched people around the world, and we are deeply grateful for the love and support during this difficult time.”

Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare — who died at 68 following kidney surgery in 2021 — recorded several albums together. Their first as a duo, Sly and Robbie Present Taxi, was released in 1981.

Additionally, they worked as producers with a number of big names, including Madonna, The Rolling Stones, No Doubt, Bob Dylan, Lee Perry, Grace Jones, and more. Sly and Robbie also performed with reggae artists like Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Black Uhuru, and Chaka Demus & Pliers.

In his lifetime, Dunbar won two Grammy Awards out of his 13 nominations.

Fans and colleagues took to social media in the wake of Dunbar’s death to share tributes. Tosh’s (who died in 1987) official Z account wrote via X, “Rest in power, Sly Dunbar. From the very first sessions with Peter Tosh in 1976, Sly helped shape a sound that changed reggae forever…  Fearless, inventive, and unmistakably his own, his playing left a permanent mark on music. Thank you, Sly, for the heartbeat you gave to the music and the legacy you leave behind. Your rhythm lives on.”

Ali Campbell, lead vocalist of the reggae group UB40, shared on X, “Words cannot describe how heartbroken I am to hear of the passing of my friend and legend, Sly Dunbar.”

Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones took to X, writing, “Farewell, Sly Dunbar! Rest in peace! Shine on Gal…1979 with Sly, Robbie and Mikey Chung!”

Another X user shared, ” I keep going back to these performances. Sly Dunbar !! One of the greatest drummers.”

Someone else echoed, “SLY DUNBAR. The most effortless drummer I ever had the pleasure to listen to.”

Meanwhile, yet another X user wrote, “Reggae Music & the world are forever indebted to you… Rest well, Sly Dunbar…”