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Robbie Shakespeare, Influential Sly and Robbie Bassist, Dies at 68

Shakespeare performed with the likes of Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, and Grace Jones

Known as one half of dynamic rhythm duo Sly and Robbie, bassist Robbie Shakespeare passed away at the age of 68 according to a Tweet by Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment & Sport.

The reggae legend collaborated with everyone from Bob Dylan to Grace Jones, Mick Jagger to Yoko Ono, and was revered both in and out of the reggae community. The cause of his passing has not been confirmed.

“Words cannot describe the sadness we feel at the loss of our dear friend Robbie,” Ringo Starr’s son, drummer Zak Starkey posted on Instagram. “A giant of a man who brought deep outta space bass to the world and so much great times to us in Jamaica. We will miss you so. Truly thankful to u for yr massive part in our music — we could not have done it without you.”

This is a developing story.