The iconic Lee “Scratch” Perry transitioned at the age of 85.
Written by adminVibe on August 29, 2021
The iconic dub and reggae creator Lee “Scratch” Perry has died at the age of 85. Perry’s death was confirmed by The Jamaica Observer, which reported that Perry died on Sunday (August 29) at Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Jamaica. The reason of death has not yet been revealed.
Before this goes any further, if you haven’t seen “Lee Scratch Perry’s Vision of Paradise” I highly suggest you take a moment to view it, and break it down. It’s an amazing visual into the life of the great artist. Purchasing the full release you will also receive the DVD in a beautiful collectors booklet.
Rainford Perry, who was born in Kendal, Jamaica in 1936, is often regarded with bringing the reggae sound to the rest of the globe. His studio efforts, which mixed sampling and remixing, were hugely influential, and he was regarded as one of the key protagonists in the development of dub.
Smoking marijuana and exhaling all over his recordings was one of his production techniques. “You know why?” In 2019, Perry told The Talks. “God made man and blew his breath into him and the man became a living soul. So I would practice and that would make the words true. The herb is the teacher, so the herb tells me what to do and I have to do exactly that. It’s like a shepherd, and I have to follow the shepherd.”
One of the first to commemorate Perry’s legacy was Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness, writing on Twitter:
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
As the news spreads the tributes contniue to pour in from all corners of the music world.
We give thanks for the wonderous life of Lee “Scratch” Perry… the ORIGINAL UPSETTER.
— Tuff Gong (@TuffGongINTL) August 29, 2021
“I grew up with revolution in my brain, revolution in my leg, and revolution in my head”~ Lee “Scratch” Perry
JAH LIVE🇯🇲💚💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/Vme5phrHPt
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
During his extensive career, Perry worked with legends including Bob Marley and the Wailers, Paul McCartney, Junior Murvin, The Congos, The Orb and The Beastie Boys just to name a few.
Among his many achievements he was recognized as one of music’s most eccentric artists, Scratch told Rolling Stone in 2010 that he would never change who he is.
“Being a madman is good thing!” he boasted. “It keeps people away. When they think you are crazy, they don’t come around and take your energy, making you weak.”
