Reggae icon and dub pioneer Lee 'Scratch' Perry has died aged 85.
The Jamaican Observer newspaper reported that Perry died on Sunday morning at the Noel Holmes Hospital in western Jamaica. No cause of death has yet been given.
Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, tweeted on Sunday: "My deep condolences to the family, friends, and fans of legendary record producer and singer, Rainford Hugh Perry OD [Order of Distinction], affectionately known as 'Lee Scratch' Perry.
"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."
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
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.
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) August 29, 2021
Perry was born in Kendal, Jamaica in 1936. His musical career began in the late 1950s when he was hired by Clement 'Coxsone' Dodd, head of reggae studio and label Studio One. He went on to set up his own label Upsetter Records in 1968.
He won Best Reggae Album at the 2002 Grammy Awards for Jamaican E.T. He was also nominated for four additional albums: The End Of An American Dream (2007), Repentance (2008), Revelation (2010) and Back On The Controls (2014).
The Press Association reports that Perry, who collaborated with Paul McCartney and Bob Marley, was married twice and had six children.
Tributes have been pouring in for Perry on social media.
Rest in peace king Perry,
— The Prodigy (@the_prodigy) August 29, 2021
total rebel , pioneer , and inspiration ,
May ur bass shake systems and souls forever ✊🏴☠️#leescratchperry pic.twitter.com/oUYyhTLgf4
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
Very sad day...: RIP the originator,the visionary Mr Lee 'Scratch' Perry :( pic.twitter.com/RgCb8lYbGy
— Oliver Jones (@I_Skream) August 29, 2021
Rest in peace our good friend Lee "Scratch" Perry.
— The Orb (@Orbinfo) August 29, 2021
He was the heart of our album "The Orbserver In The Star House".
"The upsetter the dub original specialist & chemist of the most high . The disco devil has left Babylon , lee will be forever in my heart 💜 " - Alex Paterson pic.twitter.com/DS9OF1tRDt
RIP masterful Lee 'Scratch' Perry
— maryanne hobbs (@maryannehobbs) August 29, 2021
'don't be pushed by your problems, be lead by your dreams...'https://t.co/eqtIV8AGf3 pic.twitter.com/nACTcwQ4lN
RIP to the King. Lee Scratch Perry, gone but never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/M48Kd7IqoL
— Ghostpoet (@ghostpoet) August 29, 2021
Rest in power
— KingBritt (@kingbritt) August 29, 2021
Lee Scratch Perry 👑👑👑👑
Your sonic innovation changed music forever🙏🏽🌟 #blacktronika pic.twitter.com/o2mAXOf1lg
RIP Lee Scratch Perry 👑
— Resident Advisor (@residentadvisor) August 29, 2021
A visionary who changed music forever.
1936-2021 pic.twitter.com/UFPxVBCQwX
few more important figures in the music of the 20th century. he expanded the vocabulary of studio sound; lived a long life & leaves a lasting legacy. play his music for your kids, see how instantly they love it. it's universal. safe travels home to God. https://t.co/SvnQPpsa59
— The Mountain Goats (@mountain_goats) August 29, 2021
RIP to the originator, Lee "Scratch" Perry pic.twitter.com/Ndf6Z3HkZ3
— Jesse Hawken (@jessehawken) August 29, 2021
