Gregory Anthony Isaacs (1951 – 2010)
Reggae Music Star, Gregory Isaacs, also known as ‘Cool Ruler’, who died recently, was a rare talent who perfected the transformation of Reggae music from being a political tool, into a veritable instrument for the propagation of the values of love, romance and pleasure. A charismatic star who carved a niche for himself, Isaacs – singer, songwriter and record producer – died in his London home on October 25.Isaacs’ numerous compositions spanned about 500 albums, released in Jamaica, the United Kingdom and the United States of America in more than 40 years. He was distinguished in his musical delivery, as well as in his personality, depicted in his rude-boy persona and sartorial style consisting typically of a fedora hat, silk shirt and designer suits.
Sadly, like many other extraordinary stars of his calibre, Isaacs departed rather prematurely at 59 years, abruptly ending a distinguished career. A consolation, if it can be so regarded, is that he had been around since he was 17, the age he began recording.
All through, Isaacs worked hard to deliver the music his fans loved and enjoyed. On stage, he was enigmatic, capable of driving a multitude to frenzy. Many Nigerian reggae fans will not easily forget Isaacs’ performance and participation at the Lekki Beach concert in 1997, along with other Reggae stars.
He was as highly rated and adored as the late Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Don Carlos, Yellow Man and Shaggy. In the late 70s, Isaacs was in fact considered to be the natural heir to Bob Marley. Pundits reckoned he didn’t quite make the prediction, even with the release of his popular Night Nurse at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Studios in 1982. Marley died the previous year.
Again sadly, Isaacs died after a long illness, succumbing to lung cancer. Marley and some other Reggae stars had died of cancer, believed to be a direct result of their addiction to marijuana and other hard drugs. Isaacs dealt in drugs, and his addiction caused him most of his teeth, which in turn affected his once exquisite voice. He managed however to undergo rehabilitation.
Isaacs’ entire lifestyle was a reflection of his early life and environment. Born on July 15, 1951 in a rough area of Kingston Jamaica, he was brought up by his mother in Denham town, another poor part of the Jamaican capital. As a boy, he loved songs and admired Smokie Robinson, Sam Cooke and Bob Marley whom he considered his favourite artists.
Early in his career, he formed the Concords, a vocal trio modeled on the Melodians. After a couple of records, he went solo, though with little financial reward at the time.
His inclination for drugs, and tendency for wild expeditions were well documented as he continually attracted the attention of the Jamaican police. He spent half of 1982 in prison for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, which he claimed was for protection against armed robbers, “just like you have a jacket to protect you from the cold.” His excuse did not impress the judge. Isaacs had been arrested many times previously.
But if the “Cool Ruler” was well known for his designer suits, cocaine addiction and brushes with the law; so was he for his Lovers’ rock, Night Nurse, All I have is love, My only lover, Slave master and What a feeling, among other hits.
Isaacs spent six months at Kingston General Penitentiary; had two drug busts and a spell in rehabilitation that stalled his progress in the latter part of the 80s. Despite his trials and tribulations, he remained a prolific (song) writer, making a further 50 albums in the last 25 years.
After being diagnosed of lung cancer about a year ago, he cancelled a tour last year. He however struggled back into reckoning and performed at The Big chill Festival in Herefordshire, last August.
Isaacs will be remembered for pioneering ‘Lovers Rock’ type of reggae and for becoming one of the genre’s major stars in the 70s. His lyrics about love and ghetto life endeared him to fans in the Caribbean, as well as inspired reggae artists elsewhere including Nigeria. His singing style was distinctly smooth and romantic.
In 1997, Night Nurse finally became a top 20 hit. In death, Gregory Isaacs lives on through his music. The New York Times once described him as “the most exquisite vocalist in reggae.” To Madness Singer Suggs, Isaacs was “one of the most sartorially elegant stars on the world stage”.
Isaacs was married with a daughter and three known sons. He will be sorely missed by his family and fans the world over. His life had many downs, but he died fulfilled, confirming the adage that what matters is not how long, but how well.
source: ngrguardiannews.com
