Sly Dunbar is mourned by reggae lovers around the globe. The legendary drummer helped to shape the genre’s sound. Dunbar died at the age 73.
From Kingston to Global Fame
Lowell Fillmore Dunbar was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He began drumming with tin cans when he saw Lloyd Knibbs, the Skatalites, on television.
The Career of Hits
They saved up money by living on water and bread to launch their production company Taxi Records in 1980.
Taxi Records launched the careers of artists like Shaggy, Shabba, Skip, Marley, Beenie Man and Red Dragon. Dunbar and Shakespeare brought reggae to an international audience, with hits by Grace Jones, Bob Dylan Ian Dury Madonna and Sinead o’Connor.
Innovative Reggae and Dancehall
The duo updated the reggae at home with new textures and electronic instruments.Shakespeare estimated at one time that they had contributed.
Brian Eno said that “when you buy a Reggae album, it’s 90% likely the drummer is Sly Dubar.”
Remembering Sly Dunbar
Thelma Dunbar, Dunbar’s spouse, found him unconscious at home, on the 26th of January. David Rodigan, a British DJ, described Dunbar’s as “a true icon” and ” ever.”
Sly Dunbar’s legacy lives on through the reggae beats and music that have influenced generations.
