Sly Dunbar, the iconic reggae drummer, has died at the age of 73.
Dunbar’s wife, Thelma, confirmed the news to the Jamaica Gleaner.
“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 outlet.
Dunbar has been dealing with health problems for a while, for which he was receiving treatment.
“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.”
Sly began making music at 15, first with the band The Yardbrooms. He later became a household name as one half of Sly and Robbie, alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare; the pair were known for shaping the modern sound of reggae and dancehall, and putting reggae on the map.
In 1980, the duo created Taxi Records, ultimately launching the careers of Beenie Man, Black Uhuru, Chaka Demus and Pliers, Ini Kamoze, and Red Dragon. Sly and Robbie also played with many major acts, including Bob Dylan, Grace Jones, Herbie Hancock, Joe Cocker, Serge Gainsbourg, and the Rolling Stones. Sadly, Robbie passed away in 2021.
Over the span of his almost-60-year career, Dunbar earned 13 Grammy nominations and landed two wins, the first in 1985 for best reggae recording, and the second in 1999 for the best reggae album.
RIP.