Robbie Shakespeare Of Pioneering Reggae Duo Sly and Robbie Has Died
Source: Frans Schellekens / Getty
Robbie Shakespeare, one-half of the pioneering reggae duo, Sly and Robbie, has died. Shakespeare was a noted bassist who worked alongside fellow reggae legends such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh while lending his talents to other musicians such as The Rolling Stones and more.
Born Robert Warren Dale Shakespeare in East Kingston, Jamaica, on September 27, 1953, Shakespeare got his start early on as his family’s home was a hub for many Jamaican artists and musicians according to a 2012 interview with United Reggae. In the piece, Shakespeare revealed that he learned the art of bass playing from Aston “Family Man” Barrett, sticking close to his mentor before he went on to become a bassist for The Wailers. It was around the mid-1970s when Shakespeare would officially join forces with drummer Sly Dunbar.
The pair were fans of the American soul style exhibited by Motown, Stax Records, and they also enjoyed country music. They also heralded local musicians and were quick studies who emulated the sounds of their heroes but created their own signature style.
As a production duo, Sly and Robbie’s musical roots gave them a strong foundation of rhythm and groove but they also embraced change. In the 1980s, they began employing drum machines, crafting some of the most famous “riddims” in reggae music of all time via the tracks “Bam Bam” and “Murder She Wrote.”
Shakespeare played on albums from Grace Jones, Joe Cocker, Sting, Carly Simon, Mick Jagger, and Bob Dylan among others. Alongside Dunbar, the appearances the duo made are too numerous to list but no less significant. In 1999, the duo won the Best Reggae Album Grammy Award for the album Friends.
According to Jamaican news publication The Star, Shakespeare was living in Florida at the time of his passing after receiving kidney surgery.
Across Twitter, Shakespeare’s memory and contributions to music were upheld with high regard. And the island of Jamaica also gave a statement regarding the loss. We’ve got reactions from Twitter below.
Robbie Shakespeare was 68.
Rest Powerfully in Peace, Robbie!
—
Photo: Getty
1.
RIP Robbie Shakespeare. This man’s work as part of the legendary production duo Sly & Robbie and for many others will never ever be forgotten. Gutted. Fly high Basspeare! pic.twitter.com/hRSdSUq09i
— Ghostpoet (@ghostpoet) December 8, 2021
2.
Robbie Shakespeare R.I.P Greatest bass player in the entire universe PERIOD pic.twitter.com/8Xxpke09ue
— Trevor Jackson (@trevorjofficial) December 8, 2021
3.
So saddened to hear my old dear friend Robbie Shakespeare has passed away! A brilliant bass player and I will always remember the best times with Sly and Robbie! My sympathy and condolences to his family and friends. Jah Wonderful! Keith pic.twitter.com/f3dLS1lvHr
— Keith Richards (@officialKeef) December 9, 2021
4.
The bass is everything in Reggae music and Robbie Shakespeare played his bass guitar like nobody else; he made the beat drop, speaker boxes shook and we rocked.His passing is a tragic loss; his contribution to the genre is immeasurable. RIP Robbie Shakespeare. pic.twitter.com/3JMMtbUrm1
— David Rodigan (@DavidRodigan) December 8, 2021
5.
RIP Robbie Shakespeare. Black Uhuru performing Sinsemilla at Glastonbury in 1982pic.twitter.com/9FzLQiztZt
— Birmingham 81 (@Birmingham_81) December 8, 2021
6.
R.I.P. Robbie Shakespeare (27 Sep 1953 – 8 Dec 2021) Legendary Jamaican bass guitarist and record producer; one half of the “Riddim Twins” rhythm section and production duo, Sly and Robbie, with drummer Sly Dunbar. One of the most influential bass players in modern music. pic.twitter.com/WuZtIBx2lL
— Wayne Chen (@wcchen) December 8, 2021
7.
Robbie Shakespeare and Sly Dunbar on Channel 4.
“When you get life, it’s a gift from God……. Sly and Robbie is a gift from God to the people” –
Robbie Shakespeare
https://t.co/aVFb78rdJk pic.twitter.com/XDQ18XjoEl
— Debbie Bissoon (@DebbieBissoon) December 8, 2021
9.
The Peter Tosh Estate/Family is saddened to hear about the passing of Robbie Shakespeare of Sly and Robbie. A groundbreaking and legendary reggae bassist, Robbie worked with and has influenced countless reggae and pop artists to this day. Rest in Power.
Photo credit: Tim Duncan pic.twitter.com/PhS9mgX50x
— Peter Tosh (@PeterTosh) December 9, 2021
10.
This loss is truly unexpected.
Thank you for your greatness and your contribution to Reggae music. We’ll never forget how you and Sly opened your arms to us back in 1992 and continued to be instrumental throughout our career. #RIP Robbie Shakespeare O.D. #SlyandRobbie pic.twitter.com/Ll5LQZ3PK9
— MORGAN HERITAGE (@morganheritage) December 8, 2021
11.
I am in shock and sorrow after just receiving the news that my friend and brother, the legendary basist Robbie Shakespeare has died.
Robbie and Sly Dunbar, the drummer, as Sly and Robbie, have been among Jamaica’s greatest musicians. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/l8p9gCcKOV
— Hon.Olivia Grange (@Babsy_grange) December 8, 2021
12.
I’m so saddened to hear of the passing of Robbie Shakespeare. He was a legendary bassist, who added a dynamic groove to any track he touched. I always loved working with him so much. My thoughts are with Robbie’s family. pic.twitter.com/QiMli0D8ZI
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) December 10, 2021
13.
Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare (Rest In peace ) with Black Uhuru …
pic.twitter.com/7q0NJVUQ4O
— Roland☥ (@RolandhuStler) December 9, 2021
14.
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Robbie Shakespeare, bass guitarist and record producer, best known as the one half of the reggae rhythm section and production duo Sly and Robbie.
— VP Records (@VPRecords) December 8, 2021
15.
R.I.P. to the bass god
Robbie Shakespeare who
with Sly Dunbar brought
their excellence to three#GraceJones albums
I couldn’t live without.#CompassPoint pic.twitter.com/Wxm2GTVMeU— soundstory (@soundstoryuk) December 9, 2021
