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How did Robbie Shakespeare die? 'Reggae giant' and Sly and Robbie bassist dead at 68

Renowned bassist and record producer Robbie Shakespeare had undergone surgery in a Florida hospital recently

Renowned bassist and record producer Robbie Shakespeare has died aged 68. The Jamaican artist, who was part of the duo Sly and Robbie with Sly Dunbar, had undergone surgery related to his kidneys very recently and had been ailing for sometime. The artist had been in a Florida hospital.

“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.” "My condolences to the family, friends and fans of Jamaican Reggae musician and record producer, Robbie Shakespeare of the Sly and Robbie fame," Holness said. In this year we have witnessed the demise of many great artists including Bob Moore, the  Nashville A-Team bassist, ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill and I Killed The Prom Queen ex-bassist Sean Kennedy among others.

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In another tweet, Holness wrote, "The legendary bassist Robbie Shakespeare played a significant role in recording and producing albums for various Reggae artists including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, U Roy, Culture, Burning Spear among other big names."

Sly and Robbie came together in the mid '70s. The pair bonded specifically over their interest in reggae production. The duo's breakout work was on Mighty Diamonds’ 1976 album 'Right Time'.

The pair, in the following years, worked with artists such as Joe Cocker and Grace Jones. They also worked with Madonna, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Serge Gainsbourg and Britney Spears. The pair was described as “one of the most influential artists ever to come out of Jamaica” in the 2011 documentary 'Reggae Got Soul: The Story of Toots and the Maytals'.

Throughout his career, Shakespeare was nominated for as many as 13 Grammys. He won twice -- once in 1984 for best reggae recording for 'Anthem' and then in 1998 for best reggae album for 'Friends'. Shakespeare was placed at 17 on Rolling Stone’s greatest bassists of all-time list in 2020. “I appreciate the fact that others looking in can see what we are doing for the music,” he had said back then. “This makes me feel like a baby.”

What is social media saying?

Celebrities and fans took to social media to mourn the death of Shakespeare. "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," wrote British DJ David Rosigan. Canadian correspondent Eric Alper wrote, "Robbie Shakespeare, the great bassist and record producer, has died at the age of 68. As part of Sly and Robbie with Sly Dunbar, he was a legend, one of the most influential artists ever to come out of Jamaica, and he will be missed." "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," wrote, Jamaican politician Olivia Grange.

"R.I.P. Robbie Shakespeare (27 Sep 1953 – 8 Dec 2021) Legendary Jamaican bass guitarist and record producer; one half of the "Riddim Twins" rhythm section and production duo, Sly and Robbie, with drummer Sly Dunbar. One of the most influential bass players in modern music," one user wrote, while another said, "R.I.P Robbie Shakespeare. This SUCKS! Robbie Shakespeare, along with Sly Dunbar was a huge part of my musical upbringing. His production and playing is all over my record collection. Rest In Peace Maestro!"

"Words can't do justice to the impact of Robbie Shakespeare's bass playing, unique musicality & rhythmical senses on the musical world. Also the loveliest, funniest gentleman and gave me the best stings for my radio show on every occasion. Rest In Power," wrote one user. Another said, "RIP brother. Robbie Shakespeare. This guy has played on so many classic records of the great reggae era. One of the greatest players of all time in any genre of music. Sad news and an inspiration to me for sure."

Easy Star Records put out a tweet mourning the legend: "Another truly foundational reggae giant has left us. Robbie Shakespeare’s work as a bassist and as a producer was hugely influential on pretty much everyone who has made reggae over the past 5 plus decades, whether they know it or not."