Lowell
Fillmore popularly known as Sly Dunbar was a drummer extraordinaire and
co-founder of the revolutionary Taxi Records label. His collaboration with
Robbie Shakespeare led to the formation
of Sly & Robbie, which became the greatest rhythm section in reggae
history. The duo reshaped the sound of reggae, dub and dancehall, originally from
roots to rub-a-dub to the digital era and beyond.
For over four decades, starting from Kingston studios to global stages, Sly & Robbie
grooves powered classics for Black Uhuru, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Gregory
Isaacs and countless others, helping carry Jamaica’s voice around the world. In short, from the early 1970s through the
1980s and 1990s to the early 2000s if Sly & Robbie play in your song in the
studios it was bound to be a hit.
As one half of Sly & Robbie, the Riddim Twins, Sly Dunbar broke boundaries, blending organic drumming with new rhythmic ideas and influencing genres beyond reggae. His work earned multiple Grammy Awards and nominations and wide recognition for elevating reggae music on the world stage.
Sly Dunbar's heartbeat was the heartbeat of Jamaica and the entire reggae world. Though he’s
gone, his legacy will live in every beat that carries reggae forward.
Rest in power Sly Dunbar. Jah love always.
