Legendary Bass Player Robbie Shakespeare Dies at 68

By Tadi Abedje Published: December 10, 2021

Legendary Bass Player Robbie Shakespeare Dies at 68

Robbie Shakespeare, left, and Sly Dunbar pose with Sinead O'Connor, center, and the award they recieved at the Prime Minister Independence Gala in Kingston, Jamaica, Saturday, August 6, 2005.The event was to celebrate Jamaica's 43rd year of independence at which a a special tribute to Bob Marley in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of his birth was made. Sly and Robbie, "The Riddim Twins", have worked with international artists such as Sinead O'Connor, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, the Rolling Stones and Herbie Hancock. ( AP Photo/Collin Reid)

In Summary

He was a two-time Grammy Award winner and was part of the prolific Jamaican reggae duo Sly and Robbie.

Robbie Shakespeare, who was a two-time Grammy Award-winning bass player and part of the reggae duo Sly and Robbie, passed away at the age of 68 on Dec. 8, according to Billboard.

He was known as one of the all-time greats on the bass guitar. Additionally, Shakespeare was responsible for shaping the sounds of reggae music, which led him to receive 13 Grammy nominations, including wins in 1984 and 1998.

Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s culture minister, said that he was among the country’s “greatest musicians.”

“Robbie and Sly Dunbar, the drummer, as Sly and Robbie, have been among Jamaica’s greatest musicians,” she said on Twitter. “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.”

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid his respects to the “legendary” artist for playing a huge role in recording and producing albums for a number of reggae artists such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, U Roy, Culture and Burning Spear.

“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,” he said on Twitter. “May his soul Rest In Peace.”

Shakespeare was gifted at working with the most talented musicians, including Madonna, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones, according to Billboard. Whenever he put on a show, musicians would come to watch and listen.

Shakespeare was ranked No. 17 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 50 greatest bassists of all time.