Womad

Lee 'Scratch' Perry

Lee 'Scratch' Perry is one of the most influential people in the development of reggae and dub music in Jamaica. A true innovator, he stands alongside other legendary names like Phil Spector, George Martin and Brian Wilson.

Lee set up his Upsetter label in 1968 and soon pioneered a lazy, bass driven beat that would later be identifiable as reggae. He had hits with instrumental tracks like "The Return of Django," "Clint Eastwood," and "The Vampire,"

In the early 70s, his musical experiments led to the creation of dub and in his studio, Black Ark he produced hits for Bob Marley and the Wailers, Junior Byles, Max Romeo, the Heptones, and The Clash.

Black Ark eventually burnt down and Lee spent more time in Europe and the US where he began working with Mad Professor and Adrian Sherwood. Although he celebrated his 70th birthday in 2006 he continues recording and performing all over Europe and North America.