THE GORGON SPEAKS

Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee is probably reggae’s top producer - ever. On the release of his autobiography, he talks to Ian McCann

 He’s produced more records than anyone, living or dead. And many of his contemporaries, such as Joe Gibbs, Duke Reid, Coxsone Dodd, even the apparently indestructible Winston Riley, now fall into the latter category, sadly. Yet not only is Edward O’Sullivan Lee “still here, must be doing something right!” as he jokes, he’s still in the business, reissuing his records and, as ever, seeking a fresh opportunity to excite him.

He’s no household name in the UK, but this reggae music supremo, better known as Bunny Lee or Striker, is a legend anywhere Jamaican music is played. Unlike some rivals, he’s never cultivated a particular image (Duke Reid) or promoted himself over his artists (Lee Perry), but he has received official recognition in the country’s honours system. While Striker was pleased to accept the Order Of Distinction (Officer Class), it’s not his primary interest today. What interests him is telling the story of the music he helped create, before it is lost forever. Hence Reggae Going International, an entertaining autobiography in which his twin ghostwriters, RC’s Noel Hawks, and Jah Floyd, allow Striker to speak in his own words. The result is an unconventional read and about the closest thing you can get to having the great man talking to you in person.

Luckily, I …

by Ian McCann
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