Sly Dunbar, Half of Sly and Robbie, Legendary Reggae Rhythm Section, Dies at 73

Lowell "Sly" Dunbar, the influential Jamaican drummer who formed one half of the groundbreaking production duo Sly and Robbie, has passed away at the age of 73. His death was confirmed by multiple outlets, including a family statement to TMZ and a report from the Guardian, though no specific cause was provided.

Alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Dunbar created a rhythm section so foundational it was dubbed the "Riddim Twins." Their innovative, minimalist "rockers" beat in the 1970s, characterized by a steady, driving kick drum and snare, fundamentally reshaped reggae and dancehall music. This signature sound provided the backbone for a staggering array of artists, from reggae pioneers like Lee "Scratch" Perry and Junior Murvin to global superstars such as Bob Dylan, Grace Jones, and even tracks for the iconic Bob Marley.

The duo's impact extended far beyond performing; as producers and label heads for Taxi Records, they became architects of modern Jamaican music, mentoring a new generation of talent. As one music historian noted, "Sly and Robbie didn't just play on records; they engineered the very sonic landscape of contemporary reggae, making their studio as influential as any instrument." Their collaborative spirit led to unexpected and critically acclaimed cross-genre work, including albums with avant-garde artists like Serge Gainsbourg, cementing their status as true musical innovators.

Born in Kingston in 1952, Dunbar's prolific career spanned over five decades, resulting in contributions to thousands of recordings. The news of his passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican music, coming just over two years after the death of his legendary partner, Robbie Shakespeare, in December 2021. The legacy of their rhythmic alchemy continues to resonate across hip-hop, pop, and electronic music worldwide.