Sly & Robbie ADD

RIP - Robbie Shakespeare of Sly & Robbie Has Died

12/08/2021 by Reggaeville

REST IN PEACE: Robert 'Robbie' Shakespeare (September 27, 1953 - December 8, 2021)

The Reggae world has lost another legend. The Reggae world would be unimaginable without the drum and bass of Sly & Robbie: Robbie Shakespeare passed away today in hospital in Florida. 

Hon. Olivia "Babsy" Grange posted today on her social media channels:
"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.
This fantastic team took bass playing and drumming to the highest level as they made music for themselves as a group and for many other artistes locally and internationally.
Robbie's loss will be severely felt by the industry at home and abroad. My condolences to those he leaves behind.
Love you, Robbie.
Rest in peace."

Sly Dunbar:
"I am devastated by the loss of my friend and partner, Robert "Robbie" Shakespeare who passed away today. The world has lost a great and talented musician. Rest In peace my brother. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this time of grief."

Mykal Rose:
"Yo mi brother JAH KNO, mi friend gone LEF me, Robbie Shakespeare, travel the WORLD wid mi brother over 4 decades of music together now him GONE, JAH KNO rest in power brethren"  

Cat Coore (Third World):
"Walk Good my brother , Robbie Shakespeare …. Your bassline beats are the soundtrack of our lives .. the Foundation of a genre, you are Legendary… God Bless"

Morgan Heritage:
"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. May your legacy live on forever. #RIP Robbie Shakespeare O.D."

Greensleeves Records:
"The term ‘Legend’ gets banded about all too often these days, however in #RobbieShakespeare’s case it’s wholly appropriate. 
A decade spanning over 5 decades, a plethora of hits under his belt and a supreme style all of his own, Shakespeare was a true titan of the music R.I.P."

Nadine Sutherland:
"Me tired fe write RIP. My heart can't take this no more! One more fellow practitioner that I've toured with, recorded with. My first time to Japan was with himself and Sly. My heart has been so battered this year. I'm so numb. Oh Sir Robbie, wasn't expecting this."

Marla Brown:
"One Bright Morning When My Work is Over | I Will Fly Away Home
Rest well Uncle Robbie, the Legend of #SlyandRobbie duo who produced the number one hit record Revolution, alongside my Dad.
Condolences and heartfelt love to the Shakespeare family." 

Uppsala Reggae Festival:
"RIP Robbie Shakespeare. Mr Bassie Extraordinaire. Thank you for all the great music, Your legacy will live on for ever The world has lost a musical icon!"

David Rodigan:
"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."


IN THE PRESS
Robbie Shakespeare of Sly and Robbie fame has died [Jamaica Gleaner 12/8/2021]
"Robbie Shakespeare, one half of the powerhouse rhythm duo of Sly and Robbie, has died."

Robbie Shakespeare has died [Jamaica Observer 12/8/2021]
"Popular bass guitarist Robbie Shakespeare of 'Riddim Twins' Sly and Robbie is dead. He passed away earlier Wednesday. According to sources, Shakespeare was ailing for sometime."

Robbie Shakespeare, ‘Wickedest Bass’ in Reggae, Dead at 68 [Rolling Stone 12/8/2021]
"Alongside his Riddim Twins counterpart Sly Dunbar, the bassist played with everyone from Black Uhuru to Bob Dylan across more than four decades."

Robbie Shakespeare, influential Sly and Robbie bassist, dies aged 68 [BBC 12/8/2021]
"He died in Florida where he had recently been in hospital for kidney surgery, the Jamaica Gleaner reports. The prolific bassist and music producer is credited with revolutionising the sound of reggae and dancehall music."

Robbie Shakespeare, Of Reggae Production Duo Sly & Robbie, Dead At 68 [Dancehallmag.com 12/8/2021]
"Robbie Shakespeare, best known as the one half of the production duo and reggae rhythm section, Sly and Robbie, with world-famous drummer Sly Dunbar has died today (December 8)."

Sly and Robbie's Robbie Shakespeare has died [Jamaica Star 12/8/2021]
"Shakespeare had reportedly been ailing for some time and had undergone surgery related to his kidneys. He was living overseas and was in hospital in Florida."

Last note - Legendary bass player Robbie Shakespeare dies at age 68 [Jamaica Observer 12/9/2021]
"Legendary Jamaican bass player Robbie Shakespeare was yesterday described as “one of a kind” by keyboardist Robbie Lyn, one of the many artistes and musicians who rode Sly and Robbie's Taxi label and had a front-row seat to Shakespeare's genius."