Tribute from the Honourable Olivia Grange, CD, MP, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport
Edward O’sullivan Lee was an extraordinary man, the embodiment of charisma. Blessed with a quick wit and a disarming smile, Bunny Striker Lee – as he was more popularly known – was responsible for launching the careers of some of the most consequential figures in the performance and production of modern Jamaican popular music.
Striker was an innovator. His association with the legendary Kings: Tubby’s and Jammy’s would change Jamaican and modern popular music forever. Dub, versioning, and some would even argue, Dancehall, are just a few of the direct or indirect outcomes from his incredible collaborations. Such achievements alone would have secured Striker a special perch in the pantheon of musical and cultural icons. Yet, as enormous as these accomplishments might seem, they constitute only a small part of the enduring Striker Lee legacy.
He was an incredible showman. His distinctive (sometimes flamboyant) modes of dress included his tails and bowler hats. What was perhaps most notable about Striker, however, was that he used his enormous appeal to bring others into the limelight. So many icons cite him as the driving force behind their involvement and rise in music.
Striker was a leader. His encyclopedic grasp of Jamaican music history and lore was a source of awe. He was able to recall with pinpoint detail the circumstances surrounding some of the most important inflection points in the development of our music and culture. What is significant is that Striker was not only an observer to these momentous events but often a central participant in them. Striker Bunny Lee, like the muse in that Third World song was, always around.
Then there are his anthemic recordings. Some of his releases were not only trendsetting but genre defining. His ‘Bangarang’ is arguably the first song which can legitimately be classified as Reggae. Many will remember ‘Cherry Oh Baby’ as the most successful festival song ever – another Striker Lee Production. Then there are such classics as Slim Smith’s ‘Everybody Needs Love’; John Holt’s ‘Stick by Me’, Delroy Wilson’s ‘Better Must Come’ and Max Romeo’s ‘Wet Dream’ which form just a small part of the seemingly endless Striker Lee catalogue.
In 2008 he was awarded the Order of Distinction by the Jamaican government in recognition of his contribution to Jamaican music.
As we say farewell to this affable giant of our culture, let us give thanks to his family – his wife Annette and his children for sharing the life of this amazing man with us.
Striker, we will never forget you . Thank you for the music and the memories.