Dub and reggae pioneer Rainford Hugh Perry, known professionally as Lee “Scratch” Perry died yesterday in the Noel Holmes Hospital, Lucea in Jamiaca. He was 85 years old. A cause of death is not known, but media outlets and the Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness confirmed the news. Perry was 85 years old.
My deep condolences to the family, friends, and fans of legendary record producer and singer, Rainford Hugh Perry OD, affectionately known as "Lee Scratch" Perry. pic.twitter.com/Eec2MEd6yC
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) August 29, 2021
Perry was born in 1936 in Kendal, Jamaica, before moving to the capital Kingston. He worked with the likes of Bob Marley and The Wailers, Max Romeo, The Congos, Adrian Sherwood and The Beastie Boys, as one of the most influential producers in Jamaican history and thus the world.
In the late 1950’s he was working with Coxson Dodd of Studio One and began developing a production style that would become integral for Jamaican reggae and dub. He also ran the Black Ark studio and Upsetter label, among others, which were responsible for some of reggae’s biggest hits, starting in the 1970’s. He helped develop techniques that are now common in remixing.
“He’s a genius in the truest sense of the word. Of course he was ahead of his time. His creations actually contributed to rap music, Protoje and Buju Banton’s music. He’s the best I ever worked with in my 55 years in the business,” Max Romero said to Rolling Stone. Perry and Romeo worked on the 1976 classic album War Ina Babylon.
Perry’s discography includes hundreds of different releases, including a stretch after 1980 where he worked on more than an album every year. There are few people producing music these days who aren’t directly or indirectly influenced by what Lee “Scratch” Perry did.
He has been remembered by people across music over the past 24 hours.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTKvGJlM_Uxhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CTKkElajcg3
All I’m going to say is , Thank You !! Lee “ Scratch “ Perry for the music ,the education , the inspiration . Get on that desk up above ???????????????? https://t.co/SOWweyhKWL
— Luke Slater (@reallukeslater) August 29, 2021
In these times when the term genius is massively overused, today the world lost a real one, with the departure of Lee Perry(Rest in Peace). I was lucky enough to interview him once, and every sentence he output had at least three levels of meaning. A master, a huge influence. pic.twitter.com/OougEG1yaC
— The Bug(official) (@thebugzoo) August 29, 2021
RIP masterful Lee 'Scratch' Perry
'don't be pushed by your problems, be lead by your dreams…'https://t.co/eqtIV8AGf3 pic.twitter.com/nACTcwQ4lN— maryanne hobbs (@maryannehobbs) August 29, 2021
Blessed journey into the infinite.
RIP Lee “Scratch” Perry pic.twitter.com/CBAoMTnfd0— FLYLO (@flyinglotus) August 29, 2021
few more important figures in the music of the 20th century. he expanded the vocabulary of studio sound; lived a long life & leaves a lasting legacy. play his music for your kids, see how instantly they love it. it's universal. safe travels home to God. https://t.co/SvnQPpsa59
— The Mountain Goats (@mountain_goats) August 29, 2021
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry has left us and the world of music has lost one if it’s most enigmatic creators; an amazing, incomparable phenomenon who’s sonic sound waves transformed our lives; the ‘Blackboard Jungle’ album alone stands as a beacon of his genius. pic.twitter.com/WgYZ106UNR
— David Rodigan (@DavidRodigan) August 29, 2021
