Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry’s cause of death has not yet been revealed, however, Jamaica’s prime minister Andrew Holness tweeted of the artist’s passing. He typed on Twitter: “My deep condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary record producer and singer, Rainford Hugh Perry OD, affectionately known as Lee ‘Scratch‘ Perry.”
He continued: “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.
“He has worked with and produced for various artists, including Bob Marley and the Wailers, the Congos, Adrian Sherwood, the Beastie Boys, and many others.
“Undoubtedly, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music fraternity. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
During his career, Lee won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2002 and went on to earn four more nominations, all in the same category.
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He put out countless albums over the last 50 years – solo, with his studio band The Upsetters, as well as with other artists and groups.
Most recently, he released the album Dubz Of The Root earlier this year.
Lee’s latest song, No B**dy Friends, came out just a couple of weeks prior to his death.
He also owned his own record label, Upsetter, which he formed in 1968.
Lee produced more than 1000 recordings during his career, and he worked with a wide variety of other artists including Beastie Boys, Junior Murvin, the Congos, the Orb, and Max Romeo.
The musician was married to Mireille Perry and had two children with her.
He was also a father to Cleopatra, Marsha, Omar, and Marvin (Sean) Perry from other relationships.
Tributes have begun to pour in for the late reggae legend, including one from Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess, who posted a picture of the late reggae icon and wrote: “His adventure continues beyond this realm”