Sly Dunbar: Reggae legend who performed with Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones dies aged 73 as tributes pour in
Reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a legend of the genre who performed with the likes of Bob Marley and Madonna, has died at the age of 73.
His death was announced by his wife, Thelma, who told Jamaican newspaper the Gleaner that he was found unresponsive at home on Monday morning (January 26). Doctors attended the scene and pronounced him dead a short time after. It is believed that his passing comes following a “period of illness”, according to the Jamaican outlet.
His family issued a statement after news of his death spread. They said: “It is with deep sadness that our family shares the passing of Lowell “Sly” Dunbar, beloved husband, father, and legendary musician, on January 26, 2026.
“As one half of Sly & Robbie, Sly helped shape the sound of reggae and Jamaican music for generations. His extraordinary talent, innovation, and lasting contributions will never be forgotten. Sly’s music, spirit, and legacy touched people around the world. We are deeply grateful for the love and support during this difficult time.”
Dunbar was a giant of the Reggae music scene notably performing as one half of the prolific duo Sly and Robbie, alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare. The pair formed the influential rhythm section in the mid-1970s, recording a number of albums under the partnership. Shakespeare died in December 2021 following kidney surgery.
Born in Kingston, Dunbar also collaborated with the likes of Joe Cocker, Ian Dury, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, and Grace Jones. He earned himself 13 Grammy Award nominations, winning twice - 1985 Grammy for Best Reggae Recording for the Black Uhuru album Anthem, and again in 1999 for Best Reggae Album for the Sly & Robbie record Friends.
Tributes have poured in for the music legend. UB40 member Ali Campbell said in a post on social media: “Words cannot describe how heartbroken I am to hear of the passing of my friend and legend, Sly Dunbar.”
Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood said: “Such sad news about Sly Dunbar, he was 1/2 of the legendary Sly and Robbie rhythm section. God bless him.”
Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s minister for Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, said in a press release: “Sly and Robbie were the ‘go to’. They produced and/or played on tracks for several international acts including No Doubt, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, the Fugees and Simply Red. Sly was a truly gifted and remarkable musician and producer whose passing today is a great loss for the music.”