Reggae drummer Sly Dunbar dies at home in Jamaica at age 73

Legendary reggae architect Sly Dunbar is gone, leaving a massive groove-shaped hole across Jamaican music and everything it touched.

Death and family confirmation

• Lowell Fillmore Sly Dunbar died at his home, confirmed by his wife, Thelma.
• He was found unresponsive during a morning check.
• Doctors had been overseeing care locally and overseas.
• He was 73.

Roots and early grind

• He was born May 10, 1952.
• Drumming started at 15 with The Yardbrooms.
• Early studio work linked him to Dave and Ansell Collins.
• Skin, Flesh, and Bones followed shortly after.

Sly and Robbie era

• He formed Sly and Robbie with bassist Robbie Shakespeare.
• Bunny Lee connected them during the Aggrovators session work.
• The duo reshaped reggae and dancehall production.
• Robbie Shakespeare died on December 8, 2021, in Miami.

Taxi Records and influence

• Sly and Robbie launched Taxi Records in 1980.
• The label backed Black Uhuru and Ini Kamoze.
• Chaka Demus and Pliers landed major releases there.
• Beenie Man and Red Dragon followed.

Global studio dominance

• He played on Police and Thieves by Junior Murvin.
• Bob Marley and The Wailers' cuts featured his drumming.
• Bob Dylan used his rhythms.
• Grace Jones, Herbie Hancock, Joe Cocker, Serge Gainsbourg, and The Rolling Stones worked with him.