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Born in Jamaica, Rainford Hugh Perry—known to the musical world as Lee “Scratch” Perry—was a fundamental figure in the development and popularisation of reggae and dub, and by extension, dancehall, hip-hop, ska, and even avant-garde electronic music. Standing alongside giants like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and King Tubby, Perry left an indelible mark on 20th-century music. Having eventually traded Jamaica for Switzerland, he remained a prolific force until the end, constantly recording, collaborating, and touring.

The beginnings of Lee Perry’s career are essentially the beginnings of the global phenomenon of Jamaican music. As early as the 1960s, he was a successful producer at the legendary Studio One, witnessing and shaping the first successes of Marley and the burgeoning group The Wailers. His next bold steps included founding his own label, Upsetter, and later the revolutionary Black Ark Studio. It was during this period that “Scratch” emerged as a visionary innovator and a master of new soundscapes. His creative experiments resulted in numerous albums that are now considered timeless classics and birthed the entire genre of dub. As one of the first to introduce remixes and layer tracks with specialized effects, he manipulated sound to create alternative versions of existing songs. In the eyes of countless producers who followed, he was a man decades ahead of his time.

Over the years, Perry collaborated with virtually every major figure in reggae, including Max Romeo, Junior Murvin, Augustus Pablo, and even Joe Strummer of The Clash during the height of the British punk scene’s fascination with Jamaican sounds. His modern legacy includes active work with Mad Professor and Adrian Sherwood. His visit to Lublin was a celebration for fans—a truly unique encounter with an icon who permanently altered the course of music history, and whose heritage continues to inspire generations of bands, sound systems, and producers worldwide.

Lee “Scratch” Perry performed in Lublin on Friday, June 28, at the Castle Square, accompanied by the French band Easy Riddim Maker (Olivier Gangloff, Sébastien Kohler, and Julien Vigier). 

On August 21, 2021, Lee “Scratch” Perry completed his earthly mission and passed away at the age of 85. We are proud to have had the honor of meeting him in Lublin. 

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