Lee "Scratch" Perry

Lee "Scratch" Perry, also known as The Upsetter, is a Jamaican record producer, songwriter and singer from Kendal, Jamaica. Born Rainford Hugh Perry in 1936, he dies in 2021. He is a key figure in the development of dub music in the 1970s, using remixing methods and studio effects to create alternative instrumental and vocal versions of reggae recordings.

Early career and labels

Perry starts out in music in the late 1950s as a record seller for Clement "Coxsone" Dodd’s sound system. He works at Studio One, taking on a range of roles and recording songs there, before moving on after disputes with Dodd. He then works with Joe Gibbs at Amalgamated Records, before another break leads him to set up his own label, Upsetter Records, in 1968.

His single "People Funny Boy" becomes a success in Jamaica and is noted for early use of sampling and rhythmic elements associated with reggae. Another early recording, "Run for Cover", is aimed at Dodd. During this period he also works with his studio band, the Upsetters, releasing a series of recordings between 1968 and 1972. "The Return of Django" reaches the UK top five in 1969.

Black Ark and production work

In 1970, Perry produces "Mr. Brown" by Bob Marley and the Wailers, using distinctive studio effects. In 1973, he establishes Black Ark studio in his backyard in Kingston and also launches the Black Art label. He records there with artists including Junior Byles. Although the studio uses relatively basic equipment, his production approach helps define its sound. By the late 1970s, Perry and the studio run into difficulties, and the Black Ark is eventually destroyed by fire.

Later collaborations and releases

After the Black Ark closes in the early 1980s, Perry spends time in the United Kingdom and the United States, performing and recording with a wide range of collaborators. These include Mark Downie, with whom he works on the album Battle of Armagideon in the mid-1980s, and Adrian Sherwood and Mad Professor, whose collaborations help bring renewed attention to his work in the late 1980s.

He also works with Bob Marley and the Wailers, Junior Murvin, The Congos, Max Romeo, The Heptones, Adrian Sherwood, Beastie Boys, Ari Up, The Clash and The Orb. In 1998 he appears as a vocalist on "Dr. Lee, PhD" from Beastie Boys’ Hello Nasty. In 2008 he releases Repentance, co-produced with Andrew W.K. and featuring contributions from artists including Moby. Around the same period he collaborates with Animal Collective and performs at events curated by the group.

In 2011 he records Rise Again with Bill Laswell, with contributions from Tunde Adebimpe, Sly Dunbar and Bernie Worrell. In 2012 he works with The Orb on The Orbserver in the Star House. He continues to release music with artists including Dubblestandart and Subatomic Sound System, and he explores dubstep in later collaborations. His 2019 releases include Super Ape vs. 緑: Open Door with Mr. Green.

Awards and recognition

Perry wins the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2003 for Jamaican E.T. He is ranked number 100 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time in 2004. In 2012 he receives the Order of Distinction, Commander class, in Jamaica, and in 2013 he is awarded the Gold Musgrave Medal by the Institute of Jamaica.

Other work and final years

Perry participates in visual art exhibitions including Secret Education in 2010. Documentary films about his life and work include The Upsetter and Lee Scratch Perry’s Vision of Paradise. He remains active in recording and performance into the late 2010s and continues to tour internationally, including anniversary tours for albums such as Super Ape and Blackboard Jungle Dub.

His later recordings include "No Bloody Friends" and Lee 'Scratch' Perry’s Guide to the Universe with New Age Doom. His final dub production work includes contributions to The Dub Battle by Sly & Robbie and Roots Radics. He dies in 2021.