Lee “Scratch” Perry

Early Life

Lee "Scratch" Perry, born Rainford Hugh Perry on March 20, 1936, in Kendal, Jamaica, was the third child of Ina Davis and Henry Perry. His mother, rooted in strong African traditions from her Yoruba ancestry, influenced his early life. After leaving school at 15, he worked as a laborer in Hanover, helping to build the first road in Negril. A mystical experience with stones led him to Kingston, where he began his musical journey by apprenticing at the renowned Studio One.

Career

Perry's career took off in the late 1950s when he started as a record seller for Clement Coxsone Dodd's sound system. His relationship with Dodd was tumultuous, leading him to leave and join Joe Gibbs's Amalgamated Records. However, financial disputes prompted him to establish his own label, Upsetter Records, in 1968. He attracted talented session musicians, forming the Upsetters, and released his first major single, "People Funny Boy," which showcased his innovative production style. Perry became a pioneer in the development of dub music, known for his unique studio techniques and collaborations with artists like Bob Marley and the Wailers, Junior Murvin, and the Beastie Boys.

Personal Life

Later in life, Perry resided in Einsiedeln, Switzerland, with his wife Mireille and their two children, alongside four other children from different relationships. His Swiss studio, the "Secret Laboratory," suffered a devastating fire in 2015, destroying many of his stage costumes and unreleased recordings. Lee "Scratch" Perry passed away on August 29, 2021, leaving behind a legacy as a groundbreaking figure in reggae and dub music.