The island of Jamaica is mourning one of its leading musical lights: producer Lee “Scratch” Perry, who passed away this week. 

Perry, considered one of the founding fathers of reggae music, was first a pioneer of dub music back in the 1970s. 

He was responsible for some of the most famous songs in reggae history, “Dreadlocks in Moonlight”, “Curly Locks”, “City Too Hot” and “I Am A Mad Man.”

His career included work with Bob Marley and the Wailers, among others, and earned him a Reggae Grammy in 2004. 

“Undoubtedly, today Jamaica has lost the rhythm and soul of a prolific music icon who has inspired many. Lee “Scratch” Perry was truly one of the most important and creative figures to have come out of Jamaica,” said Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness. 

— CJ