LEE “SCRATCH” PERRY - He led, others followed.

By Lloyd Stanbury

September 1, 2021 -

As a producer, songwriter and audio engineer, Lee Scratch Perry is a cornerstone in the foundation of roots reggae and dub music. Recordings like “Sun Is Shining” Bob Marley, “War In A Babylon” Max Romeo, “Police And Thieves” Junior Murvin and “Curly Locks” by Junior Byles are just a few of the many Scratch Perry productions that remain forever reggae classics. His pioneering mixing and remixing techniques influenced recording artistes and music producers around the world, and paved the way for the emergence of genres such as EDM, Hip-Hop and Dub.

The global impact of Scratch Perry’s music and his unique personality gained for him respect, many friends and a fan base that transcends geographic and social boundaries. His passing in his homeland Jamaica on Sunday August 29, 2021 generated immediate news coverage from CNN, BBC, Rolling Stones, NBC, UK Guardian, Yahoo Entertainment, NPR, ABC/Australia and South China Morning Post. Social media platforms also exploded with tributes and expressions of condolence.

The decade of the 1970s is often referred to as the golden years of Jamaican music, and for sure Scratch was the man with the midas touch. The current generation of Jamaican recording artistes and music producers should take the time to carefully study the works of Lee “Scratch” Perry. He was, and still is original. A leader, not a follower.  

“From his inventive use of sampling on an early reggae single to the tough,  hypnotic roots sound he brought to The Wailers' music to his groundbreaking sonic experimentation as a creator of dub, Lee "Scratch" Perry brought numerous innovations to Jamaica's music that continue to impact production and recording techniques in multiple genres far beyond the island's shores”   PATRICIA MESCHINO - BILLBOARD MAGAZINE (click to read more)