Sly Dunbar's Drumming Legacy: 10 Iconic Tracks That Shaped Reggae and Beyond
For a drummer to have such an enduring impact on music, it takes more than just technical skill. For Sly Dunbar, that was only the beginning. His distinctive playing style infused his work with artists across multiple genres, leaving an indelible mark on reggae, pop, rock, and beyond.
At 17, Dunbar made a remarkable debut with Dave and Ansel Collins' 'Double Barrel', which rose to number one in the UK charts despite initial radio resistance. That pivotal moment set the stage for his illustrious career as a session drummer. His association with The Mighty Diamonds on their breakthrough album 'Right Time' further cemented his reputation, particularly on the title track's complex and influential rhythm that would inspire others to explore new horizons.
Dunbar's collaboration with Junior Murvin on 'Police & Thieves' is another standout example of his exceptional drumming. He masterfully provided a solid foundation beneath Murvin's haunting falsetto and eerie backing vocals, showcasing Dunbar's ability to balance intricate fills with a deep understanding of the song's emotional core.
The album 'Two Sevens Clash' by Culture stands out as one of the greatest roots reggae albums ever made, with Sly's drumming playing a pivotal role. The title track is a prophetic anthem that showcases the band's unbridled faith and energy, leaving listeners in awe.
Sly Dunbar's work with Bob Dylan on 'Jokerman' is equally remarkable, as he skillfully blended Jamaican spirit with biblical imagery to create something entirely new and captivating. This unexpected fusion of styles not only solidified Dunbar's status as a versatile musician but also left a lasting impression on listeners worldwide.
Compass Point Studios, where Sly often collaborated with artists such as Gwen Guthrie, further highlighted his talent. Her 'Padlock' EP features some of the most innovative drumming of her career, thanks in large part to Dunbar's programming. The track's title is a testament to the enduring power of his artistry.
Sly and Robbie's biggest hit, 'Boops (Here To Go)', showcases their versatility as artists, incorporating elements of hip-hop, opera, and rock to create something entirely unique. This song not only demonstrates Sly Dunbar's incredible range but also cemented his status as a true musical innovator.
One of the most significant legacies of Sly Dunbar is evident in 'Bam Bam/Murder She Wrote' by Chaka Demus and Pliers, which was largely co-produced with Shakespeare and Dunbar. The track showcases Dunbar's influence on 1990s dancehall, with its intricate riddim that pays homage to Indian tabla playing.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sly Dunbar has left an indelible mark on the music world. His drumming continues to inspire new generations of musicians, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest session drummers in history.
For a drummer to have such an enduring impact on music, it takes more than just technical skill. For Sly Dunbar, that was only the beginning. His distinctive playing style infused his work with artists across multiple genres, leaving an indelible mark on reggae, pop, rock, and beyond.
At 17, Dunbar made a remarkable debut with Dave and Ansel Collins' 'Double Barrel', which rose to number one in the UK charts despite initial radio resistance. That pivotal moment set the stage for his illustrious career as a session drummer. His association with The Mighty Diamonds on their breakthrough album 'Right Time' further cemented his reputation, particularly on the title track's complex and influential rhythm that would inspire others to explore new horizons.
Dunbar's collaboration with Junior Murvin on 'Police & Thieves' is another standout example of his exceptional drumming. He masterfully provided a solid foundation beneath Murvin's haunting falsetto and eerie backing vocals, showcasing Dunbar's ability to balance intricate fills with a deep understanding of the song's emotional core.
The album 'Two Sevens Clash' by Culture stands out as one of the greatest roots reggae albums ever made, with Sly's drumming playing a pivotal role. The title track is a prophetic anthem that showcases the band's unbridled faith and energy, leaving listeners in awe.
Sly Dunbar's work with Bob Dylan on 'Jokerman' is equally remarkable, as he skillfully blended Jamaican spirit with biblical imagery to create something entirely new and captivating. This unexpected fusion of styles not only solidified Dunbar's status as a versatile musician but also left a lasting impression on listeners worldwide.
Compass Point Studios, where Sly often collaborated with artists such as Gwen Guthrie, further highlighted his talent. Her 'Padlock' EP features some of the most innovative drumming of her career, thanks in large part to Dunbar's programming. The track's title is a testament to the enduring power of his artistry.
Sly and Robbie's biggest hit, 'Boops (Here To Go)', showcases their versatility as artists, incorporating elements of hip-hop, opera, and rock to create something entirely unique. This song not only demonstrates Sly Dunbar's incredible range but also cemented his status as a true musical innovator.
One of the most significant legacies of Sly Dunbar is evident in 'Bam Bam/Murder She Wrote' by Chaka Demus and Pliers, which was largely co-produced with Shakespeare and Dunbar. The track showcases Dunbar's influence on 1990s dancehall, with its intricate riddim that pays homage to Indian tabla playing.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sly Dunbar has left an indelible mark on the music world. His drumming continues to inspire new generations of musicians, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest session drummers in history.
? Like, I get it, he's not Bob Marley or anything (lol), but c'mon, the guy was a genius behind the drums! 
He brought that reggae vibe to pop and rock, and his collabs with artists across genres are still giving me life. 
But what really gets me is how he's often overshadowed by other iconic drummers... like, hello, he played on Bob Dylan's album 
I mean, who else can say they drummed for both reggae legends and rock icons? 
Only Sly Dunbar, tbh 
It just goes to show how far-reaching Dunbar's influence has been.
. So when we're talking about him, it's hard not to get excited – he truly was a trailblazer behind the drums 
sly dunbar's influence on dancehall 2 is huge too, esp with chaka demus & pliers 'bam bam/murder she wrote'. hes def one of the greatest session drummers eva 
it gives me chills every time, and his work w/ bob dylan on 'jokerman' is straight fire 
he was literally a genius behind the drums on so many iconic tracks. i mean, have you listened to 'Police & Thieves' by junior murvin? sly's drumming is insane 
It just goes to show that music is all about fusion and experimentation, right? 
Sly Dunbar's legacy is truly inspiring, and I'm excited to dive deeper into his discography 
dunbar's legacy is more than just drumming, it's an entire world of sound 
His versatility is something else, like he just blends into every genre seamlessly 
. It's crazy to think about how much influence he had on roots reggae and beyond. I feel like some of the younger producers today might be feeling the pressure to keep up with his drumming style 
... but honestly, can anyone really touch that? 
! The guy was a total game-changer when it came to blending different styles and genres into his playing. I mean, who else could make reggae sound so rockin' on tracks like 'Boops (Here To Go)'? And let's not forget his collaborations with artists like Bob Dylan - that Jokerman track is straight fire 
but sometimes its cool to celebrate the legends like sly dunbar 
I'm loving how this guy's beats are still giving us life 20+ years after they were first dropped. Like, seriously, who else could blend reggae, pop, rock, and hip-hop like Sly Dunbar? 
Anyway, if you haven't listened to some of these tracks in a while, go give them a spin - they're still pure fire 
. I'm not surprised he's one of the greatest session drummers ever - that debut track at 17 with Dave and Ansel Collins is just a hint of what's to come 
.