Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, reggae icon, dead at 85

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, a pioneer in reggae and dub music, has died at 85.

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Perry died Sunday at a western Jamaica hospital, the Jamaican Observer reported. A cause of death has not been released.

“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,” Jamaican prime minister Andrew Holness said on social media. “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 career spanned decades and influenced numerous artists and genres.

“It was Lee Perry’s sound and the Jamaican toasters that inspired us to start hip-hop,” Afrika Bambaataa said, Rolling Stone reported.

Perry worked with artists including The Beastie Boys, Mad Professor, Max Romeo, the Heptones and the Congos. Junior Murvin’s “Police & Thieves” was co-written by Perry. The song was covered by The Clash, who ended up recruiting Perry to help produce songs for them.

Perry produced or released music for decades. He won a Grammy award in 2003. In 2019, he released two LPs, Rainford and Heavy Rain.

“Mr. Perry is an enigma, but trust me, he is ahead of his time,” son Sean Perry said of his father in the biography “People Funny Boy.” “It’s we who had to try to catch him up.”

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