Grammy-winning producer and drummer Sly Dunbar — one half of the Jamaican duo Sly and Robbie — has died at aged 73. Born Lowell Fillmore Dunbar on May 10, 1952, Sly left us on January 26, 2026.
Leroy Brown, singer/songwriter, producer, veteran recording artist and a close friend of Sly Dunbar confirmed Dunbar’s passing on Monday morning.
He had been ailing for more than a decade, suffering from chronic problems with his legs and complications stemming from a slipped disc.
Alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, who died in 2021, Dunbar formed the most influential rhythm section in Jamaican music history, helping to define the sound of reggae, dub, and dancehall across five decades.
Sly Dunbar was not only one of the greatest drummers in reggae history, but one of the most influential drummers of all time. His unmistakable groove powered thousands upon thousands of recordings, shaping reggae, dub, dancehall, and beyond. Loved deeply by musicians and fans alike, his passing is a profound loss for music worldwide.
Together with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Sly formed the most legendary rhythm section in reggae history. From their early days as session musicians at Jamaica’s Channel One Studio, Sly & Robbie became the backbone of reggae and dub for over five decades. Their sound defined eras and crossed genres, collaborating with artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Grace Jones, and many, many more.
Robbie Shakespeare’s passing in 2021 marked the fading of an era, and with Sly Dunbar’s death, a historic chapter in global music comes to its final note.
Sly Dunbar is survived by his wife and daughter.
