Robbie Shakespeare of Sly and Robbie fame dies at 68

By Online Desk

FLORIDA: Robbie Shakespeare, the acclaimed bassist and file producer, has died on the age of 68. The Jamaican artist was a part of the duo Sly and Robbie with Sly Dunbar.

According to The Guardian, Shakespeare had not too long ago undergone surgical procedure associated to his kidneys. He had been in hospital in Florida.

“When it comes to reggae bass playing, no one comes close to having the influence of Robbie Shakespeare,” tweeted Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness. “He will be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music industry and Jamaica’s culture.”

(3/3) When it involves Reggae bass enjoying, nobody comes near having the affect of Robbie Shakespeare. He can be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music trade and Jamaica’s tradition. May his soul Rest In Peace.
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) December 8, 2021
Sly and Robbie had come collectively within the mid-70s after Shakespeare already carved out his personal music profession from a younger age. The pair bonded over their different style in music however particularly their curiosity in reggae manufacturing. Their breakout work was on Mighty Diamonds’ 1976 album Right Time.

In the next decade, their standing grew as they labored with artists corresponding to Joe Cocker and Grace Jones. They had been additionally answerable for key shifts in reggae music because it headed to digital, introducing the “Rockers” beat and later working with Chaka Demus & Pliers to create a novel sound that distinguished songs corresponding to Bam Bam and Murder She Wrote.

The pair labored with artists corresponding to Madonna, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Serge Gainsbourg and Britney Spears. In the 2011 documentary Reggae Got Soul: The Story of Toots and the Maytals, they had been described as “one of the most influential artists ever to come out of Jamaica”.

Shakespeare had been nominated for 13 Grammys in his profession and gained twice, as soon as in 1984 for finest reggae recording for Anthem after which in 1998 for finest reggae album for Friends.

In 2020, Shakespeare was positioned at 17 on Rolling Stone’s biggest bassists of all-time listing. “I appreciate the fact that others looking in can see what we are doing for the music,” he stated of the listing. “This makes me feel like a baby.”

“I am in shock and sorrow after just receiving the news that my friend and brother, the legendary bassist Robbie Shakespeare has died,” stated Olivia “Babsy” Grange, the Jamaican minister of leisure and tradition, in a press release. “Robbie and Sly Dunbar as Sly and Robbie, have been among Jamaica’s greatest musicians.”

British musician Ghostpoet additionally paid tribute on Twitter, writing that his work will “never ever be forgotten”.