Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar, the legendary drummer and co-founder of the groundbreaking Taxi Records label, has died at the age of 73. His wife, Thelma Dunbar, confirmed that he passed away at home earlier today.
“About 7 o’clock this morning I went to wake him up and he wasn’t responding. I called the doctor, and that was the news,” she told the Jamaica Gleaner, speaking through tears. Sly had been battling health issues for some time and was receiving treatment both locally and overseas.
“Yesterday was such a good day for him,” Thelma said. “He had friends over to visit, and we all had such a good time. He ate well yesterday… sometimes he’s not into food. I knew he was sick, but I didn’t realize it was this serious.”
Born on May 10, 1952, Dunbar made his mark as one half of Sly and Robbie, the iconic rhythm duo often credited with shaping the sound of modern reggae and dancehall. His musical partner, bassist Robbie Shakespeare, passed away in 2021. Together, the pair were known as the Riddim Twins and became synonymous with Jamaica’s global reggae influence.
Dunbar began his musical journey at 15 with the band The Yardbrooms and made his first recording appearance on the Dave and Ansell Collins album Double Barrel. He later joined Ansell Collins’ band Skin, Flesh and Bones. Drawing inspiration from drumming legends such as Lloyd Knibb of the Skatalites and Al Jackson Jr. of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Dunbar developed a distinctive style that would influence generations of musicians.
In 1972, Dunbar met Robbie Shakespeare, then the bassist for the Hippy Boys. The two began working together, eventually recording with Peter Tosh and forming a partnership that would last decades. Their innovative drumming on tracks like the Mighty Diamonds’ “Right Time” became instantly recognizable and widely imitated.
In 1980, the duo co-founded Taxi Records, which helped launch and support the careers of artists including Black Uhuru, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Ini Kamoze, Beenie Man, and Red Dragon. Beyond reggae, Sly and Robbie played on albums by international stars such as Bob Dylan, Grace Jones, Herbie Hancock, Joe Cocker, Serge Gainsbourg, and the Rolling Stones.
Sly Dunbar’s contributions earned him 13 Grammy nominations, with two wins: the 1985 Best Reggae Recording for Black Uhuru’s Anthem and the 1999 Best Reggae Album for Sly & Robbie’s Friends. Critics and collaborators often praised Dunbar’s creativity and versatility. Music producer Brian Eno once remarked, “When you buy a reggae record, there’s a 90 percent chance the drummer is Sly Dunbar… his drum tracks are so interesting, they get used again and again.”
In addition to his recording work, Dunbar appeared in the 2011 BBC documentary Reggae Got Soul: The Story of Toots and the Maytals, celebrating his role in shaping Jamaica’s musical legacy.
Sly Dunbar leaves behind a transformative musical legacy that continues to resonate across reggae, dancehall, and global music.
