LEE “SCRATCH” PERRY AT 83, ENTERS BILLBOARD CHART WITH “RAINFORD!”

By Kevin Jackson—
Observer writer—

Lee “Scratch” Perry —

At 83 years old, Lee “Scratch” Perry is the oldest person to make the Billboard Reggae Albums chart since its inception in 1994. He earns a career-best number two place with Rainford, a nine-song set.

The legendary producer/artiste, known for his work with The Wailers, Junior Byles and Junior Murvin, has made the chart 13 times. Rainford was released by On-U Sound on May 10.

Perry, a Grammy winner, has developed a massive following in Europe and the United States with his manic personality.

Roots Of A Rebellion, a six-piece band from Nashville, Tennessee, is number one this week with Shapes of A Soul which has 15 songs. The set was released May 31.

Their previous album, 2016’s A Brother’s Instinct, peaked at number four.

Koffee sits firm at number three for a second week with Rapture, while Free Rein by Rebelution is number four.

Trinidadian artiste Marlon Asher earns his first chart title with Rebirth, his third solo album, which enters at number seven. Released June 1 by VAS Productions LLC, Rebirth has 13 tracks including collaborations with Slightly Stoopid, Meleku (son of Sizzla), Anthony B, and Pressure Busspipe.

“The name of my album, Rebirth, was inspired by Anthony B. We want to keep reggae music alive. I want to share my journey as an artiste and the amazing, supportive people I have met around the world,” Asher said in a media release.

Sting and Shaggy’s Grammy-winning 44/876 rebounds to number eight, while Steel Pulse’s Mass Manipulation tumbles from number four to nine. It spent one week at number one three weeks ago.

Everyday Life, Everyday People by Slightly Stoopid completes the Top 10.

Elsewhere, on the Billboard Reggae Digital Song Sales Chart, Boasty by Wiley, Sean Paul, Stefflon Don and Idris Elba is number one.

Koffee occupies the number two and three positions with Rapture and Toast, respectively.

She should experience a sales burst following her performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, tomorrow on ABC.