Jamaica's prime minister is among those playing tribute, saying Shakespeare was untouchable when it came to reggae bass playing.
Shakespeare (right) with Sly Dunbar in 2005. Pic: Richard Young/Shutterstock
Robbie Shakespeare, from legendary reggae rhythm duo Sly and Robbie, has died aged 68.
He worked with icons including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Gregory Isaacs and was named the 17th best bassist ever by Rolling Stone magazine last year.
Alongside drummer Sly Dunbar, he also produced or played with a long list of rock and pop names including Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Talking Heads, Madonna, Britney Spears, No Doubt and Suggs.
Born in East Kingston, Jamaica, in 1953, Shakespeare got together with Sly Dunbar in the mid-1970s and they went on to have a huge impact on reggae and dancehall music.
He was nominated for 13 Grammys during his career and won two.
The country's prime minister, Andrew Holness, tweeted that "when it comes to Reggae bass playing, no one comes close to having the influence of Robbie Shakespeare".
Culture minister Olivia Grange, who confirmed his death in a statement, said he was "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," she said.
Shakespeare had been ill for some time and had undergone kidney surgery and was in hospital in Florida, according to the Jamaica Gleaner.
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