Sly Dunbar, the legendary Jamaican drummer who helped steer reggae‘s modern evolution while providing the backbeat to countless recordings, has died. It marked the start of a prolific and deeply influential career, with Dunbar earning worldwide acclaim for his work alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare (who died in 2021). Black Uhuru’s success also led to greater recognition — and more work — for Sly and Robbie, as both producers and session musicians. Sly and Robbie released several albums of their own, too, including 1987’s seminal Rhythm Killers. In 1999, Sly and Robbie won their second Grammy for Best Reggae Album, this time taking home the prize for their own LP Friends.