Reggae innovator Lee Scratch Perry turns 78

Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Musician Lee "Scratch" Perry, a native of Jamaica, turns 78 today.
He has produced many reggae records including the early Bob Marley albums. Perry was one of the pioneers of dub music, a form of recycling and remixing songs that laid the groundwork for hip hop. Keith Richards called him "the Salvador Dali of music."
The song "Police and Thieves" was very popular in England where the Clash heard it and recorded a version on their first album.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Dear reader,
Your voice matters. And we want to hear it.
Will you help shape the future of Minnesota Public Radio by taking our short Listener Survey?
It only takes a few minutes, and your input helps us serve you better—whether it’s news, culture, or the conversations that matter most to Minnesotans.