Renowned reggae drummer Sly Dunbar, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for his work with iconic artists like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan, has passed away at the age of 73. His wife, Thelma, confirmed his death to the Jamaica Gleaner.

Together with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar formed the influential reggae duo Sly and Robbie, also referred to as the Riddim Twins. They contributed to numerous reggae classics by artists such as Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh, gaining recognition beyond Jamaica with collaborations with Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones.

Sly and Robbie’s musical partnership extended to projects with artists like Grace Jones, Serge Gainsbourg, and Bob Dylan, featuring on albums like “Warm Leatherette,” “Nightclubbing,” and “Living My Life.” Tributes poured in from the music industry, with artists like Ali Campbell of UB40 expressing deep sorrow over Sly Dunbar’s passing and recognizing his pioneering influence on modern beats through reggae and dancehall rhythms.

Having been nominated for 13 Grammys, Sly Dunbar clinched two wins, notably for Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” in 1985 and Sly and Robbie’s “Friends” in 1999. His musical legacy also included co-founding Taxi Records in 1980, which supported emerging talents such as Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Skip Marley.

In addition to his reggae contributions, Sly Dunbar collaborated with a diverse range of artists like Joe Cocker, No Doubt, Sinead O’Connor, and Carly Simon, showcasing his versatility and impact across different music genres. His remarkable drumming skills and creative rhythms left an indelible mark on the music industry, ensuring that his musical legacy will endure for years to come.