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Iconic bassist and producer Robbie Shakespeare dies

Updated / Thursday, 9 Dec 2021 08:19
Robbie Shakespeare - Tributes have poured in for the trailblazer
Robbie Shakespeare - Tributes have poured in for the trailblazer

The death has been announced of the legendary bassist and producer Robbie Shakespeare, one half of reggae icons Sly and Robbie, at the age of 68.

It is reported that the Jamaican musician passed away in hospital in Florida where he had recently undergone kidney surgery.

Paying tribute, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, wrote: "The legendary bassist Robbie Shakespeare played a significant role in recording and producing albums for various Reggae artists including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, U Roy, Culture, Burning Spear among other big names.

"When it comes to Reggae bass playing, no one comes close to having the influence of Robbie Shakespeare. He will be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music industry and Jamaica's culture. May his soul Rest In Peace."

Shakespeare was born into a musical family and having cut his teeth with numerous acts, formed Sly and Robbie with drummer Sly Dunbar in the mid-1970s, blazing a trail in reggae and dub across a series of acclaimed albums.

Shakespeare and Dunbar also played with and produced artists including Joan Armatrading, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Grace Jones, No Doubt, Sinéad O'Connor, Carlos Santana, Simply Red, Sting, The Rolling Stones and many more. Sly and Robbie's most recent studio album, Dubrising, was released in 2014.

Here are some of the many tributes:

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