Sly Dunbar

Sly Dunbar (1952–2026) was a legendary Jamaican drummer and one of the most influential figures in reggae music, best known as half of the iconic rhythm duo **Sly and Robbie** alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Dunbar began playing drums as a teenager and quickly became a sought-after session musician. Deeply influenced by Lloyd Knibb of The Skatalites and soul and funk drummers like Al Jackson Jr., he developed a distinctive, innovative drumming style that reshaped reggae’s rhythmic foundation. In the early 1970s, Dunbar’s partnership with Robbie Shakespeare became one of the most prolific collaborations in music history. Together, they worked extensively with Peter Tosh, Black Uhuru, and The Mighty Diamonds, helping define roots reggae and later pushing it into new sonic territories. Their work on albums such as *Right Time* was considered revolutionary, with Dunbar’s inventive drum patterns becoming widely imitated. Through their Taxi Records label, Sly and Robbie also launched and supported the careers of major reggae and dancehall artists including Ini Kamoze, Beenie Man, and Chaka Demus & Pliers. Beyond reggae, Sly Dunbar’s influence reached far beyond Jamaica. He recorded and performed with international artists such as Bob Dylan, Grace Jones, Herbie Hancock, Serge Gainsbourg, and the Rolling Stones, cementing his reputation as a global musician. Frequently described as the most recorded drummer in reggae history, Dunbar remained active for over five decades until his death in January 2026. His legacy lives on through countless recordings that continue to shape reggae, dub, and popular music worldwide.