Lee Scratch Perry was an innovative Jamaican born record producer whose pioneering techniques and production styles in the creation of dub music laid the foundations for hip-hop, dance music, and the remix industry.
Perry was born Rainford Hugh Perry in Kendal, Jamaica in 1936. He earned his “Scratch” nickname from an early recording, The Chicken Scratch, in 1965. Perry left school at 15 and eventually moved to Kingston where he became involved in the dance and music scene. His first job in the music industry was as a record seller for Clement Coxsone Dodd's sound system. It was at Dodd's Studio One recording studios, that Perry began to record songs for the label. After a fall out with Dodds and a period working for Joe Gibbs's Amalgamated Records, in 1968 he decided to set up his own label, Upsetter Records.
During the 1970s, Perry put out a wide number of recordings from his various record labels and his work grew in popularity in Jamaica and the UK. It was during this time that he began to pioneer dub music and experiment with studio effects, reverb, and remixing to create new, unique sonic sounding, sometimes instrumental, versions of existing reggae tracks. Bob Marley and the Wailers went to work with Upsetter Records to make the albums Soul Rebels and Soul Revolution during which time Perry encouraged Marley to consider more spiritual and political themes in his songwriting, a suggestion that helped develop Marley’s career.
As his reputation for innovative production techniques grew Perry built his own studio in Kingston in 1973, the now-famous Black Ark, which became the birthplace of countless reggae and dub classics. Here he continued to experiment with drum machines, sound effects, and sampling. He worked with and produced for a wide variety of artists, including the Paul & Linda McCartney, Beastie Boys, The Clash, The Orb, plus many others.
In 1983 Perry burned down his Black Ark studio having been convinced it was possessed by dark spirits. He did however continue to record albums and collaborate with artists for the remainder of his career, and in 2003 won a Grammy for his own 2003 album Jamaican ET.
Perry sadly died aged 85 in Germany in August 2021.
Exclusive David Bowie print specially created by The Postman for Rockarchive, based on a photograph taken by Dave Hogan at Live Aid in 1985
Jarvis Cocker performing one of his signature moves with Pulp on The Park Stage during the 2011 Glastonbury Festival
A unique collection of images of Pink Floyd, one of the worlds most successful and influential rock bands.
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968 & considered one of the most innovative & influential rock bands in history.
Blondie is a American rock band founded by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein that pioneered the New York new wave & punk scenes of the 1970s.
Oasis was an English rock music band formed in Manchester in 1991, to date the band has sold over 70 million records worldwide.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Artist Morgan Howell's paintings of record sleeves have become cult classics. We are delighted to introduce a range of his affordable prints
During his 30 year career Jake Chessum has shot defining images of musicians such as Amy Winehouse, Jay Z, The Beastie Boys & David Bowie.
Our contact sheet print collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
