WASHINGTON — Sly Dunbar, the renowned reggae drummer who won two Grammy Awards and was integral to the influential rhythm section known as Sly & Robbie, has passed away at the age of 73. His vast musical influence extended from the heart of reggae to international icons like Bob Marley and Bob Dylan.

The news of Dunbar’s passing was confirmed by his wife, Thelma, as reported by the Jamaica Gleaner.

Together with bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Dunbar formed “The Riddim Twins,” a duo that not only shaped the reggae genre but also captivated audiences worldwide. Their collaboration produced memorable tracks for artists such as Grace Jones and even the Rolling Stones.

Sly & Robbie’s distinctive sound was featured on three of Grace Jones’ albums: “Warm Leatherette,” “Nightclubbing,” and “Living My Life.” They also collaborated with Serge Gainsbourg on four albums and contributed to Bob Dylan’s projects, including the albums “Infidels” (1983), “Empire Burlesque” (1985), and “Down in the Groove” (1988).

“Words cannot describe how heartbroken I am to hear of the passing of my friend and legend,” singer Ali Campbell of UB40 posted on Facebook. “Modern day beats simply wouldn’t be what they are without the influence of reggae and dancehall riddims that Sly single-handedly pioneered.”

“Sly & Robbie were undisputed masters of the art, bringing a nuanced, unhurried and rock-solid rhythmic approach,” Rolling Stone magazine wrote in tribute. Shakespeare died in 2021.

Dunbar played with the Revolutionaries, the house band for Jamaica’s Channel One studio, while also touring, and played on Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves,” Maxi Priest’s “Easy to Love,” Dave and Ansell Collins’ classic “Double Barrel” and Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party.”

Nominated 13 times for a Grammy, he won twice — when Black Uhuru’s “Anthem” nabbed the inaugural Grammy for best reggae recording in 1985 and when Sly & Robbie’s “Friends” won best reggae album in 1999.

In 1980, Sly & Robbie co-founded Taxi Records, which has nurtured such artists as Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, Skip Marley, Beenie Man and Red Dragon.

“When you buy a reggae record, there’s a 90% chance the drummer is Sly Dunbar,” producer Brian Eno told the New Music New York festival in 1979. “You get the impression that Sly Dunbar is chained to a studio seat somewhere in Jamaica, but in fact what happens is that his drum tracks are so interesting, they get used again and again.”

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