Tributes paid to reggae pioneer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry was 85.

Tributes are being paid to reggae pioneer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, whose passing at the Noel Holmes Hospital in western Jamaica was reported yesterday (August 29th).

“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,” Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness has responded on social media.

“Perry was a pioneer in the 1970s’ development of dub music with his early adoption of studio effects to create new instrumentals of existing reggae tracks.”

“He has worked with and produced for various artistes, including Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Congos, Adrian Sherwood, the Beastie Boys, and many others.”

“Undoubtedly, Lee Scratch Perry will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music fraternity. May his soul Rest In Peace.”

Perry’s association with reggae can be traced back to a time even before the genre was going by the name we know so well today, while much later, from the famous Black Ark studio base, his influence stretched across a much broader musical landscape.