Scratch Perry, the Upsetter, RIP - and others

There has been much media coverage of the death of Jamaican reggae pioneer Lee 'Scratch' Perry, who has died aged 85. A true original, he was renowned for the development of dub music and record production with a range of artists from Bob Marley to the Beastie Boys. Before that he worked with Coxsone Dodd and Joe Gibbs and I first became aware of him through his single 'People Funny Boy, which was aimed at Gibbs after he had a disagreement with him. His recordings with his studio band the Upsetters in the late sixties and early seventies were what really made his name and remain great to this day. His studio the Black Ark was to produce many innovative tracks by the likes of Bob Marley, Junior Murvin, the Heptones and Max Romeo. But then, apparently in a rage, he burnt the studio to the ground. After that he spent much of his time in the UK and the US and settled in Switzerland. He became famous for his eccentric style and was involved in a wide variety of work which was impressive even though it wasn't always to my taste. RIP Scratch, the Upsetter.

There are a few other musicians whose deaths are worthy of mention, the first being Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, aged 80. Not surprisingly his death attracted many tributes and memories from fellow musicians, especially drummers, who appreciated his controlled and insistent beat that kept the Stones honest over the years. I remember seeing the Stones in their early days before worldwide fame arrived. They were a competent R and B covers band who developed as the years went by, and Charlie was always at the centre of things. As he reportedly said to Mick 'I'm not your drummer - you're my vocalist'. A link with one of the earliest doowop groups has ended with the death at 88 of Maryland Pierce, lead singer of the Five Keys, whose hits included original versions of 'The Glory of Love', 'Ling Ting Tong', 'The Verdict', 'Gee Whittakers' and 'The Wisdom Of A Fool'. Maryland is pictured on the far left on the LP photo below.

Finally, I understand from a FB post from Noah Scaffer that Frank Troutt, an original member of the Majors, has died. I loved the Majors' early hits including 'A Wonderful Dream', 'She's A Troublemaker', 'What In the World' and 'Ooh Wee Baby'. I saw a later version of the group, which included Frank, at the Long Island Doowop Festival a couple of time and also at Viva Las Vegas. Here's a photo of me with the Majors, with Frank on the second left, taken at Long Island in 2017. Also their EP issued in the UK on London.

Finally, my thoughts go out to all those in New Orleans and Louisiana who have been affected by Hurricane Ida. Stay safe - and hope to see you all again soon.