Jamaican reggae musician, singer, and producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry has died at the age of 85. The reggae legend and master of dub died at the Noel Holmes Hospital in Western Jamaica after battling serious illness. However, his reason for death has yet to be revealed.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, paid tribute to the pioneer’s passing, He tweeted, “My deep condolences to the family, friends, and fans of legendary record producer and singer, Rainford Hugh Perry OD, affectionately known as ‘Lee Scratch’ Perry”. He also added, “Undoubtedly, Lee Scratch Perry will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music fraternity. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
Jamaican reggae legend was born in rural Jamaica in 1936. He moved to Kingston in the early 1960s and his musical career started in the late 1950s. He earned his “Scratch” nickname in 1965 during the early recording of ‘The Chicken Scratch’. He also won a Grammy (Best Reggae Album) in 2002 for his album, ‘Jamaican E.T.’
The musical legend described his life in an interview. He said, “My father worked on the road, my mother in the fields. We were very poor. I went to school… I learned nothing at all. Everything I have learned has come from nature.”
He also won a Grammy (Best Reggae Album) in 2002 for his album, ‘Jamaican E.T.’. He was nominated on four other occasions: in 2014 for ‘Back On The Controls’; ‘Revelation’ in 2010; ‘Repentance’ in 2008; and ‘The End Of An American Dream’ in 2007.