1. Sly Dunbar
Lowell “Sly” Dunbar is one half of the world’s best-known powerhouse rhythm section, along with bassist Robbie Shakespeare. Together, the two have played on upwards of a 100,000 records, including many for their own Taxi label. They’ve made their mark not only on reggae and dancehall but also popular music over the last 30-plus years, working with countless international artists including Grace Jones, Paul Simon, Doug E Fresh and Bob Dylan. Sly’s creative thinking and innovation with patterns (including his pioneering use of variations on the rockers drumbeat) and his irresistible groove have made him the go-to reggae session drummer for decades. Never one to shy away from change and growth, he was one of the first reggae drummers to embrace electronic drums.