“Music is magic. If you have good music you have good magic. If you have good magic you will be followed by good people.” – Lee Scratch Perry
Lee Scratch Perry was a Jamaican Record Producer and Singer who was well known for his innovation approach to studio technique and is noted as a Pioneer as in the development of “Dub Style Music” in Jamaica.
“Scratch” as he was affectionately called found a way merge instrumental and vocal sounds by using studio effects to remix sounds to create unique sounds and beats. The Singer passed away on August 29, 2021 at a Jamaican Hospital just months after celebrating his 85th Birthday.
His cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness tweeted of the artist’s passing:
“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.”
He continued: “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.” Source The U.S Sun
He was known for his interesting look and his signature Pink Hair and eclectic fashion sense where he blurred the line between masculine and feminine pieces where even his microphone was a part of his overall look!
In honour of his legacy and his untimely passing, we here at Haute People will be sharing some of our favourite looks from this Pioneer and will include a few interviews. View the images below in our Slider Gallery.
Lee Scratch Perry Dies at 85 : His Life in Photos
A celebration of the Jamaican producer and performer who has died aged 85. Perry was often hailed as a genius and was a major influence on Bob Marley. He also pioneered dub and roots reggae styles.
Black Ark studio musicians Lee Perry, Cedric Myton and The Congos, Junior Murvin and others. Photograph: Adrian Boot/Camera Press/urbanimage.tv
The mixing console and interior of Perry’s Black Ark Studio in 1978. Photograph: Adrian Boot/Camera Press/urbanimage.tv
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry at his Black Ark studio in Kingston in the 1970s. Photograph: Dennis Morris/Camera Press
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 1992. Photograph: Rico D’Rozario/Redferns
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry smokes a joint on stage at Dingwalls, London in January 1984. Photograph: David Corio/Redferns
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry (centre) is interviewed by director Jeremy Marre (right) with a local film crew member on the left, in front of a mural on the side of Perry’s Black Ark studio in Kingston, Jamaica, during the making of Harcourt Films’ Roots Rock Reggae in 1977. Photograph: Chris Morphet/Redferns
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry of reggae band The Upsetters poses for a portrait, taken around 1970. Photograph: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry performing at the Electric Ballroom in north London in 2016. Photograph: Venla Shalin/Redferns
More About Lee Scratch Perry
Perry also owned his own record label, Upsetter.
He worked with musicians such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, Max Romero, Junior Murvin, Adrian Sherwood, the Congos, Ari Up, the Beastie Boys, The Clash, and others throughout his lifetime.
The musician was married to Mireille Perry and had two children with her.
He was also a father to Cleopatra, Marsha, Omar, and Marvin (Sean) Perry from other relationships. During his career, he won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2002 and went on to earn four more nominations, all in the same category.
Let us know if you are old enough to know the impact he had in transforming Reggae Music and it’s genres in Jamaica.
#Lee Scratch Perry Dies at 85 : His Life in Photos
#Lee Scratch Perry Dies at 85 : His Life in Photos
#Lee Scratch Perry Dies at 85 : His Life in Photos
#Lee Scratch Perry Dies at 85 : His Life in Photos
