Jamaican Reggae & Dub Pioneer Lee 'Scratch' Perry Passes Away

Groundbreaking Jamaican musician Lee "Scratch" Perry has passed away, age 85.

The influential reggae and dub producer and singer passed away in a Jamaican hospital on Sunday morning, as reported by The Jamaica Observer, but no cause of death has been revealed.

The news was then confirmed by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness who shared his condolences via Twitter.

“Perry was a pioneer in the 1970s’ development of dub music with his early adoption of studio effects to create new instrumentals of existing reggae tracks,” Holness said.

“Undoubtedly, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music fraternity.”

Perry pushed the boundaries of creative sampling and sound manipulation and influenced countless musicians while also playing an integral role in some of the genre’s most important releases via his label, Upsetter Records, which was founded in 1968, and backyard studio, Black Ark, built in 1973.

Throughout his extensive career, he worked with the likes of Bob Marley, Paul McCartney, Beastie Boys and many, many more, with a slew of fans, friends and collaborators sharing tributes via social media.