# Lee "Scratch" Perry

> Jamaican reggae producer (1936–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q315417](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q315417)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_"Scratch"_Perry)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lee-scratch-perry

## Summary
Lee "Scratch" Perry was a pioneering Jamaican reggae producer, musician, and songwriter renowned for his innovative production techniques and influential role in shaping reggae, dub, and related genres. Born in 1936, he was instrumental in developing the sound of artists like Bob Marley and The Wailers, and his work at Black Ark Studios became legendary in music history. Perry's career spanned over six decades until his death in 2021.

## Biography
- **Born:** March 20, 1936
- **Nationality:** Jamaican
- **Known for:** Pioneering reggae and dub production, founding Upsetter Records, and operating Black Ark Studios
- **Employer(s)/Affiliations:** Upsetter Records, Black Ark Studios, Island Records
- **Field(s):** Music production, reggae, dub, ska, rocksteady

## Contributions
- **Upsetter Records (1968):** Founded the label, releasing influential tracks like "People Funny Boy" and fostering the rocksteady and reggae movements.
- **Black Ark Studios (1973):** Established the iconic Kingston studio, where he produced seminal works for artists such as Bob Marley, The Clash, and Junior Murvin, defining the dub genre.
- **Production Innovations:** Developed unique recording techniques, including the "Lee Perry sound," characterized by experimental use of effects and instrumentation.
- **Collaborations:** Worked with notable acts like The Upsetters, The Clash, and Smash Mouth, bridging Jamaican music with global audiences.
- **Awards:** Received the Gold Musgrave Medal and a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album.

## FAQs
**What genres is Lee "Scratch" Perry associated with?**  
Perry was central to reggae, dub, ska, and rocksteady, contributing to their global popularity through his production work.

**What studios and labels did Perry found?**  
He founded Upsetter Records in 1968 and Black Ark Studios in 1973, both pivotal in shaping Jamaican music.

**Who are some notable artists Perry worked with?**  
Bob Marley, The Clash, Junior Murvin, and The Upsetters, among others, benefited from Perry's production expertise.

**What awards did Perry receive?**  
He was awarded the Gold Musgrave Medal and nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album.

## Why They Matter
Lee "Scratch" Perry revolutionized music production, particularly in reggae and dub, through his experimental approach and iconic studios. His collaborations with legendary artists and labels like Island Records helped globalize Jamaican music, influencing genres from punk to electronic. Without Perry, the trajectory of reggae and its derivatives would lack the innovative edge he introduced, impacting artists across decades and continents.

## Notable For
- **Founding Upsetter Records and Black Ark Studios**, hubs for reggae and dub innovation.
- **Pioneering dub music** through experimental production techniques.
- **Collaborations** with Bob Marley, The Clash, and others, bridging Jamaican and international music scenes.
- **Awards:** Gold Musgrave Medal and Grammy recognition.
- **Longevity:** A six-decade career leaving an indelible mark on music history.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Rainford Hugh Perry on March 20, 1936, in Kendal, Jamaica, Lee "Scratch" Perry began his music career in the 1950s as a singer and songwriter. His early work with Coxsone Dodd's Downbeat Records laid the groundwork for his future innovations.

### Founding Upsetter Records
In 1968, Perry launched Upsetter Records, named after his song "I Am the Upsetter." The label released "People Funny Boy," which topped Jamaican charts and marked a shift toward reggae. The Upsetters, Perry's house band, became synonymous with the label's sound.

### Black Ark Studios and Production Legacy
Perry established Black Ark Studios in Kingston in 1973, a modest setup that became a creative powerhouse. Here, he produced iconic albums such as Junior Murvin's *Police and Thieves* and Bob Marley's early work. His use of effects like reverb and tape loops defined the dub genre, influencing later electronic and hip-hop artists.

### Collaborations and Genre Bridging
Perry's work extended beyond Jamaica. He collaborated with The Clash on *Black Market Clash* (1980) and produced tracks for Smash Mouth, demonstrating his versatility. These collaborations introduced reggae and dub to new audiences, cementing their global appeal.

### Awards and Recognition
Perry received the Gold Musgrave Medal for his contributions to Jamaican culture and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a "Early Influence" in 2023 underscored his universal impact.

### Legacy and Influence
Perry's innovative production techniques and genre-blending approach have inspired countless musicians. His legacy extends to contemporary genres, with artists sampling his work and adopting his experimental ethos. The closure of Black Ark Studios in 1979, followed by its mysterious burning, only added to the mystique surrounding Perry's career.

### Later Life and Death
Continuing to produce and perform into his 80s, Perry remained a revered figure until his death on August 29, 2021. His funeral, attended by Jamaican officials and musical luminaries, celebrated his unparalleled contributions to music.

### Musical and Cultural Impact
Perry's influence transcends music, symbolizing Jamaican cultural identity and creativity. His work embodies the "Out of Many, One People" motto, reflecting Jamaica's diverse heritage and global musical influence. Through his productions, Perry not only shaped genres but also facilitated cross-cultural exchange, ensuring his legacy as a music icon.

## References

1. [Lee (Scratch) Perry, Bob Marley Mentor and Reggae Innovator, Dies at 85. The New York Times. 2021](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/30/arts/music/lee-scratch-perry-dead.html)
2. [Source](https://nationwideradiojm.com/reggae-great-lee-scratch-perry-dies/)
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. Lee "Scratch" Perry. NNDB
7. [Source](http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/caribb/jamaica/jmfamous.htm)
8. [Source](http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/154825-lee-scratch-perry-erics-liverpool-sun-17-a.html)
9. [Source](http://www.ticketfly.com/event/343609-lee-scratch-perry-subatomic-new-york/)
10. [Discogs](http://www.discogs.com/Lee-Scratch-Perry-Nu-Sound-Version/release/3221677)
11. [Source](http://www.radionomy.com/nl/radio/radio-fly-foot-selecta/artists)
12. [Source](http://www.reggaerecord.com/en/)
13. [Source](http://www.juno.co.uk/products/carrying-the-swing/376779-01/)
14. [Source](http://rutracker.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2321653)
15. Songfacts
16. [Source](http://playlists.net/artists/Lee+Perry+%26+The+Soulettes/track/2301868/Doctor+Dick)
17. International Standard Name Identifier
18. MusicBrainz
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20. filmportal.de
21. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
22. CONOR.SI
23. BBC Things
24. ISWC Network
25. Discogs
26. The Guardian
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File