Reggae producer, singer, and genre legend Lee “Scratch” Perry died today in a Jamaican hospital. He was 85 years old and no cause of death was given.
Perry was a prolific creative force in music, known for his studio acumen and production work with Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Congos, Adrian Sherwood, the Beastie Boys, and many others.
He is credited with creating dub, a reggae subgenre that emerged in the late 1960s.
Born Rainford Hugh Perry, he was honored with the Order of Distinction. That prompted Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness to issue a statement after his death.
“My condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary producer and singer Rainford Hugh Perry OD, affectionately known as ‘Lee Scratch’ Perry,” wrote Holness. Perry was a pioneer in the development of dub music in the 1970s with his early adoption of studio effects to create new instruments from existing reggae tracks. He has worked and produced for various artists, including Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Congos, Adrian Sherwood, the Beastie Boys, and many others. Undoubtedly, Lee Scratch Perry He will always be remembered for his excellent contribution to the musical fraternity. May his soul rest in peace. “
