Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 2:50 PM EST
Sly Dunbar Dies After Pop Impact
Coverage from Rolling Stone, CBC, and others
Articles
4
Latest Article
01/27
Active Days
2339
Executive Summary
Sly Dunbar dies at 73, with his reggae rhythms and pop collaborations leaving a lasting mark on Dylan, Jones and other artists
- Sly Dunbar died at 73; his wife Thelma announced the death to the Jamaica Gleaner
- He was half of Sly and Robbie with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, who died in 2021
- The duo helped shape reggae as members of the Revolutionaries and later the Riddim Twins
- Their work extended beyond reggae to sessions and remixes for pop and rock artists
- Dylan recordings featured Sly and Robbie on Infidels, Empire Burlesque and Down in the Groove
- They also worked with Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, Mick Jagger, No Doubt and Britney Spears
- Sly and Robbie co-founded Taxi Records in 1980 to develop younger Jamaican artists
Quick Facts
- What: Their cross genre collaborations and Dunbars death at 73
- Where: Jamaica and international pop recording sessions
- Why: Their rhythms shaped reggae and influenced global pop music
- Who: Reggae drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare
- When: Death announced after Jan 26 reports and earlier sessions
Coverage Timeline: 2339 Days
Featured Article
Rolling Stone published a list examining 11 notable pop collaborations by Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, highlighting sessions with Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, Herbie Hancock and Bob Dylan.
Additional Articles
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Sly Dunbar, the reggae drummer of Sly and Robbie, died at 73, with the death announced to the Jamaica Gleaner by his wife.
Sly Dunbar dies at 73 in Jamaica, announced by his wife to the Jamaica Gleaner.
Sly Dunbar, the reggae drummer of Sly & Robbie, died at age 73; his wife Thelma announced the death in Jamaica.