Bunny Lee
Edward O'Sullivan Lee, widely known as Bunny "Striker" Lee, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of reggae music. Born on August 23, 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica, he grew up in the Greenwich Farm area. His early career began in 1962 as a record plugger for Duke Reid's Treasure Isle label, and he later worked with Leslie Kong and Ken Lack, transitioning from administrative roles to engineering duties.
Lee's first major production success came in 1967 with Roy Shirley's "Music Field," leading him to establish his own label, Lee's. He quickly became one of Jamaica's top producers, creating hits for artists like Derrick Morgan, Slim Smith, and The Uniques. Lee was instrumental in popularizing reggae in the UK, licensing his productions to labels such as Trojan Records and Pama.
In the 1970s, Lee collaborated with King Tubby, pioneering the development of dub music. He was known for innovative production techniques, including the "flying cymbal" sound, and for reusing rhythm tracks with different artists. His work with artists like Johnny Clarke, Delroy Wilson, and John Holt solidified his reputation as a hitmaker.
Throughout his career, Lee produced thousands of records, influencing the reggae and dub genres significantly. He received the Order of Distinction in 2008 for his contributions to music. Bunny Lee passed away on October 6, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as a transformative figure in Jamaican music.