Top: Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee
I Am The Gorgon — Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee and the Roots of Reggae, a British-made documentary, celebrating the works of Jamaican producer Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee, is scheduled for DVD on November 24.
Bottom: Director Diggory Kenrick–
The 86-minute-long documentary, directed by UK’s Diggory Kenrick, was filmed in Kingston, London, and Los Angeles. It was released in August 2013.
I Am The Gorgon tells the story of how Jamaican music spread from the inner city of Kingston to the furthest reaches of the globe. The principal focus is on the rise of Lee from car mechanic to a successful ’70s record producer.
Five years in the making, the documentary features musicians Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Sly Dunbar, Dennis Alcapone, U-Roy, Cornell Campbell, Robbie Shakespeare, Johnny Clarke, the late John Holt, as well as Lee.
Lee began his musical career in 1962 when he was first introduced to producer and sound system operator Duke Reid. He would go on to create music of his own, working with some of the pioneers in the development of the Jamaican music industry.
In 2008, Lee was awarded the Order of Distinction (Officer class) for his contribution to the development of Jamaican music.
A 22-track movie soundtrack has also been released from the project. It features tracks from artistes including Lee All Stars, Delroy Wilson, Cornell Campbell, Horace Andy, and Max Romeo.
A celebration for the 73-year-old Lee is planned for London’s Jazz Café today.
— By Cecelia Campbell-Livingston
