Lee "Scratch" Perry's early life is comparable to many of Jamaica's musical super stars, born poor in a small country village. He developed a reputation as a smart alec at an early age. He was decisive in leaving his little country village with the intention of setting up roots in Kingston in the early part of the 1950s. Lee Perry heard the music, got into the groove, mastered the moves, and arrested the beat. Perry first port of visit was to the Treasure Isle Recording Studio of Duke Reid, but Perry was given the cold-shoulder because of his size. Not to be put off by the Duke's refusal to hire him he went for a job with one of the pioneering record producer, Clement "Coxsone" Dodd who hadn't yet set up his legendary Studio One Studio. Lee Perry began his career with Coxsone as an errand boy, handy man, bouncer, spy, talent scout, unaccredited songwriter, arranger, sometimes as occasional performer in which he experience several disappointments before finally leaving Coxsone.. Lee Perry first record, was "Old For New" recorded in 1959 on one of Coxsone's many labels, but he only had minor success with "Chicken Scratch" in 1965. In 1966 Lee Perry decide to leave Coxsone Dodd because he was not appreciated for his work. Lee Perry joined forces with another record producer, this time it was Joe Gibbs. While with Joe Gibbs Perry recorded the sinister "I Am The Upsetter", aimed at Coxsone Dodd. Joe Gibbs was quick to realised that Perry knew how to mix the groove, hence, in 1967 he hired Perry to control his new Amalgamated label. Lee Perry produced a string of hits for Gibbs, including The Pioneers' "Long Shot Kick The Bucket", a type of rhythm that was later given the name "Reggae". Lee "Scratch" Perry had invented the Reggae beat. At the time "Long Shot Kick The Bucket was released, none of the other record producers, recording artists, arrangers, you name it. They could come up with a name for the Rhythm of this tune "Long Shot" as it was so different from anything heard before. This tune is one of the great all time Classics. |
