Lowell Fillmore “Sly” Dunbar, the legendary Jamaican drummer and half of the iconic rhythm duo Sly & Robbie, has died at the age of 73. His wife, Thelma, confirmed he was found unresponsive at their home on Monday, January 26, 2026; he had been experiencing health issues prior to his passing, though no official cause of death has yet been announced.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Dunbar’s beat became the heartbeat of reggae music worldwide. Alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare — who died in 2021 — he formed one of music’s most influential rhythm sections, contributing to countless classic recordings from reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff to crossover collaborations with artists like Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and Grace Jones.
Dunbar and Shakespeare also co-founded the famed Taxi Records, producing and shaping the sound of reggae and dancehall for generations. Over his career, Dunbar was a two-time Grammy Award winner and earned 13 nominations, underscoring his massive impact on global music.
Fans and musicians around the world are paying tribute to a drummer whose rhythms helped define an era — and whose influence will echo through music forever.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Dunbar’s beat became the heartbeat of reggae music worldwide. Alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare — who died in 2021 — he formed one of music’s most influential rhythm sections, contributing to countless classic recordings from reggae legends such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff to crossover collaborations with artists like Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and Grace Jones.
Dunbar and Shakespeare also co-founded the famed Taxi Records, producing and shaping the sound of reggae and dancehall for generations. Over his career, Dunbar was a two-time Grammy Award winner and earned 13 nominations, underscoring his massive impact on global music.
Fans and musicians around the world are paying tribute to a drummer whose rhythms helped define an era — and whose influence will echo through music forever.
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