Lee "Scratch" Perry had legions of admirers, from Bob Marley to The Beastie Boys and cricket commentator Derek Pringle. Since his death on August 29 at age 85, many of those fans have paid tribute to his genius.
Rated my many as reggae's greatest producer, Perry died of an undisclosed illness in Hanover parish, western Jamaica.
He had lived for many years in Switzerland with Mireille, his wife of over 30 years.
"Lee 'Scratch' Perry has left us and the world of music has lost one if it’s most enigmatic creators; an amazing, incomparable phenomenon whose sonic sound waves transformed our lives. The ‘Blackboard Jungle’ album alone stands as a beacon of sheer brilliance," wrote David Rodigan, the celebrated British broadcaster and sound system stalwart.
Singer Cedric Myton of roots group The Congos, described Perry as "one of a kind" whose unconventional methods brought out the best in artists and musicians.
Perry produced The Congos' 1977 album, "Heart of The Congos", regarded as one of the great reggae works. He also produced "Duppy Conqueror" and "Small Axe" by The Wailers, "One Step Forward" and "War Ina Babylon" by Max Romeo, "Curly Locks" by Junior Byles and "Police And Thieves" by Junior Murvin, arguably the biggest seller for his Upsetter label.
Marley, who died in 1981, had high regard for the unpredictable Perry. In addition to The Wailers, Marley collaborated with the diminutive producer on the hit songs, "Smile Jamaica" and "Punky Reggae Party".
Perry's love for studio effects made him a giant of the dub movement along with fellow pioneer, Osbourne "King Tubby" Ruddock. In the last 25 years, he was active as an artist, drawing crowds to his concerts in Europe and North America.
His 2002 album, "Jamaican E.T.", won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album the following year.
Written By Howard Campbell