This content was published on August 29, 2021 – 22:03
San Juan, Aug 29 (EFE) .- The reggae artist “Lee Scratch” Perry died this Sunday at the Noel Holmes Hospital in his native Jamaica at the age of 85 after fighting for a long time against a disease that put an end to the life of one of the most representative figures of that musical genre.
Rainford Hugh Perry, born in March 1936, was one of the main promoters of “reggae”, both as a record producer and as a singer, noted for his innovative studio recording techniques and style.
Perry was a pioneer in the development of “dub”, a genre of electronic music that emerged from the experimentation of “reggae” music in the 1960s.
The technique consisted of modifying already known recordings, sometimes eliminating the vocal parts and adding their own contributions.
In the 1970s the work of the Jamaican artist stands out with his adoption of remixes and studio effects to create new instrumental or vocal versions of existing “reggae”.
The artist who died today worked and produced for a wide variety of artists, including legendary countryman Bob Marley and the Wailers – who would join in a band – as well as Junior Murvin, the Congos, Max Romeo and the Beastie Boys, among others.
Perry was awarded the Order of Distinction from the government of Jamaica to honor his long musical career.
He is known for songs including “Dreadlocks in Moonlight”, “Curly Locks”, “City Too Hot” and “I Am A Mad Man” among his many hits.
The recognition for Perry underscored the career of what is considered one of the most important creative musical figures of his time.
He produced more than a thousand recordings during his more than 60-year career, including some of the most famous songs by Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Perry was involved in the production of hit singles by Marley and the Wailers such as “Small Ax”, “Duppy Conqueror”, “Jah Live”, “Punky Reggae Party” and “Rastaman Live Up”.
Perry, a native of the Jamaican city of Kendal, also lived in Switzerland for several years.
His talent and interest in experimentation led him to record music with gardening tools, bury microphones under trees to obtain different sounds, and blow marijuana smoke on recordings.
He was known for being one of the most eccentric, yet talented, music pioneers to have emerged in Jamaica.
In a statement issued shortly after the artist’s death was disclosed, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to the international music icon via social media.
“My condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary producer and singer Rainford Hugh Perry, affectionately known as ‘Lee Scratch’ Perry,” said Holness.
“Perry was a pioneer in the development of ‘dub’ music in the 1970s with his early adoption of studio effects to create new instruments from existing reggae tracks,” noted the prime minister.
“Without a doubt, ‘Lee Scratch’ Perry will always be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the musical fraternity. May his soul rest in peace,” the prime minister’s statement concluded. EFE
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