Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar, the pioneering Jamaican drummer and producer who helped shape the sound of roots reggae and dancehall as half of the influential duo Sly & Robbie, has died. He was 73.
Dunbar died on January 26, 2026, in Jamaica. His wife, Thelma Dunbar, found him unresponsive at their home early Monday morning and contacted authorities. Doctors pronounced him dead at the scene. Dunbar had been ill for several months and was receiving treatment both at home and abroad. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
The news was confirmed by Thelma Dunbar to the Jamaica Gleaner and reported widely by outlets including The Guardian, People, and Forbes. Dunbar’s death marks the end of an era for reggae music, following the passing of his longtime musical partner, bassist Robbie Shakespeare, in 2021.
A Prolific Career in Reggae and Beyond
Born May 10, 1952, in Kingston, Jamaica, Dunbar began playing drums as a teenager. He started by practicing on school desks and tin cans before joining local bands. His first major recording came on Dave and Ansell Collins’ 1971 hit “Double Barrel,” which reached No. 1 in the UK and introduced his signature “rockers” drum style—a shuffling, propulsive rhythm that became a cornerstone of roots reggae.
In the early 1970s, Dunbar joined the Revolutionaries (also known as the Aggrovators), a key studio band in Jamaica’s reggae scene. There, he worked under producers like Joseph Hoo Kim and Bunny Lee, recording hundreds of tracks that backed artists including Dennis Brown and the Mighty Diamonds. His innovative drumming, including techniques like the double tap on the rim heard on the Mighty Diamonds’ “Right Time,” influenced generations of reggae musicians.
Formation of Sly & Robbie and Taxi Records
Dunbar formed the rhythm section Sly & Robbie with bassist Robbie Shakespeare in the mid-1970s. The duo became one of the most recorded rhythm sections in music history, estimated to have played on over 200,000 tracks. In 1980, they launched Taxi Records, which released music from artists such as Black Uhuru, Ini Kamoze, Beenie Man, and Chaka Demus & Pliers.
Sly & Robbie’s production style blended traditional reggae with electronic elements, helping pioneer modern dancehall. Hits like Chaka Demus & Pliers’ “Murder She Wrote” and “Tease Me” showcased their bright, melodic approach. The duo also released their own albums, including Friends in 1999 and Dubrising in 2014.
Global Collaborations and Influence
Dunbar’s reach extended far beyond Jamaica. He played on Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party” and Peter Tosh’s albums. International sessions included Bob Dylan’s Infidels (1983) and Empire Burlesque (1985), where Dunbar described the Infidels work as “one of the coolest sessions.” He contributed to Grace Jones’ Warm Leatherette, Nightclubbing, and Living My Life, as well as albums by the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Serge Gainsbourg, Joe Cocker, and Jimmy Cliff.
In later years, Dunbar worked with No Doubt on Underneath It All and produced their hit “Hey Baby.” He co-wrote Omi’s “Cheerleader,” which became a global hit after a remix. Other credits include the Fugees’ The Score, Simply Red’s cover of “Night Nurse,” and Gwen Guthrie’s recordings.
Awards and Recognition
Sly & Robbie received 13 Grammy nominations and won two: Best Reggae Recording for Black Uhuru’s Anthem in 1985 and Best Reggae Album for Friends in 1999. Dunbar also received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction for his contributions to music.
Legacy and Tributes
Dunbar’s drumming defined the groove of reggae and dancehall, with his patterns reused and sampled across genres. British DJ David Rodigan called him “a true icon … one of the greatest drummers of all time who played on literally thousands and thousands of recordings.” UB40’s Ali Campbell said modern beats “simply wouldn’t be what they are without the influence of reggae and dancehall riddims that Sly singlehandedly pioneered.” Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness described him as a pioneer who “integrated electronic instruments into traditional reggae beats, keeping our music modern and relevant for decades,” adding that he remained “a humble son of the soil, always ready to mentor the next generation.”
Dunbar’s family released a statement expressing gratitude for global support: “Sly’s music, spirit and legacy touched people around the world, and we are deeply grateful for the love and support during this difficult time.” Thelma Dunbar noted that the day before his death had been positive, with friends visiting and good conversation.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Dunbar’s extensive catalog, including countless riddims and productions, ensures his influence will continue in reggae, dancehall, and popular music.
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