Lee “Scratch” Perry was a seminal figure in reggae music, renowned for his production work with Bob Marley during the early 1970s, a pivotal time for the genre. He played a crucial role in the development of reggae’s sub-genre, ‘dub’, and was known for his unique and eccentric approach to music production. Perry produced several classic reggae songs with Marley, including “Soul Rebel,” “Duppy Conqueror,” “Sun Is Shining,” as well as later hits like “Smile Jamaica” and “Punky Reggae Party.”
His Black Ark studio, located in the Washington Gardens neighborhood of Kingston, was a hub for reggae’s most innovative and experimental works from 1973 to 1983. The studio’s distinct sound and texture became highly influential, inspiring producers up to the present day. At Black Ark, Perry recorded groundbreaking tracks with artists like The Congos, Junior Murvin, Max Romeo, George Faith, The Silvertones, and conducted numerous radical dub experiments. Perry’s relationship with VP Records began in Kingston with Randy’s Record Mart, where he released singles like Lacksley Castell’s “Jah Love Is Sweeter.”
This partnership continued in New York from 1977, leading to the release of significant albums such as The Congos’ Heart of the Congos, The Heptones’ Party Time, Perry’s own Roast Fish, Collie Weed, and Corn Bread, and The Upsetters’ Return Of The Super Ape.