Iconic Musician Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar Dies At 73

Reggae icon Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar passed Monday at his Kingston, Jamaica, home at the age of 73.

His daughter Natasha confirmed he passed away, but did not disclose his cause of death, according to TMZ. Dunbar was one of the legendary Jamaican duo called Sly & Robbie. The talented drummer left a long legacy of hits and musical accomplishments, and will forever be remembered for his contribution to the world of music. Along with the late bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Dunbar helped define an era of reggae and dancehall music and carved his own space in the industry.

Sly Dunbar, the legendary Jamaican drummer who gained fame as a member of the production duo Sly & Robbie, has died.

Observer Online understands that Dunbar passed away on Monday morning. He was 73.https://t.co/BhNmU4UYNB pic.twitter.com/4QIKSNYETV

— Jamaica Observer (@JamaicaObserver) January 26, 2026

“Sly’s music, spirit, and legacy touched people around the world, and we are deeply grateful for the love and support during this difficult time,” his family statement said.

Dunbar’s wife, Thelma, found him unresponsive early Monday morning, the Jamaican outlet The Gleaner reported.

“I called the doctor and that was the news,” she said.

Thelma told the outlet Dunbar had enjoyed a visit with friends the day before seemed to be in good spirits, despite struggling to fight off an unidentified illness prior to his passing.

Dunbar and Shakespeare collaborated on more than 200,000 tracks together, including musical projects with Madonna, No Doubt and The Rolling Stones. They worked on three albums with Bob Dylan in the 1980s, and provided the backbeat for the likes of Joe Cocker, Mick Jagger’s “She’s The Boss” and “Undercover” for the Rolling Stones.

Some of their other well-known collaborations included Yoko Ono’s “Starpeace,” “Throw Down Your Arms” with Sinead O’Connor and Carly Simon’s “Hello Big Man.”

Sly Dunbar, the legendary Jamaican drummer who helped steer reggae‘s modern evolution while providing the backbeat to countless recordings, has died at age 73. https://t.co/xTqhtEN3rB pic.twitter.com/FkSJKd1EdF

— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) January 26, 2026

The pair’s signature sounds influenced the evolution of reggae in the digital era with epic hits like “Murder She Wrote” alongside Chaka Demus & Pliers in 1993. Dunbar was also featured in the legendary tune “Close To You” with Maxi Priest.

Jamaican reggae musicians Sly and Robbie’s ‘Language Barrier’ album cover, featuring drummer Sly Dunbar and bassist Robbie Shakespeare, 1985. (Photo by Blank Archives/Getty Images)

Dunbar’s drum riffs were featured in a number of beloved reggae hits, including Bob Marley’s “Punky Reggae Party” and  Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves.” The musician secured Grammy Award wins twice, first in 1985 and again in 1999, according to The Associated Press. (RELATED: ‘The Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron In Hospital After Mysteriously Falling In His Home)

Fans are sharing loving messages and prayers on social media as they pay their final respects to a true reggae pioneer.