Reggae great Gregory Isaacs dead at 59

Reggae crooner Gregory Isaacs, who rose to international fame in the late 1970s, died in London yesterday after of lung cancer at age 59.

"Gregory was well loved by everyone, his fans and his family, and he worked really hard to make sure he delivered the music they loved and enjoyed," said his wife Linda said. "He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Rolling Stone, Guardian, BBC.

From the LA Times article on the passing of the performer known as "The Cool Ruler"—

Isaacs also cultivated an outlaw persona -- a "rude boy" in Jamaican slang. He had frequent run-ins with the authorities (he once estimated his number of arrests, mostly on drug- and gun-related charges, at around 50) and suffered from a serious cocaine addiction.

Video Link: Isaacs performing his 1978 hit "Tune In" on Earl Chin's "Rootsman" show that same year.

Isaacs' best-known hit was "Night Nurse," in 1982. Amazon discography here.

• [Anonymous]

  The coolest of Cool Rulers. Rest in peace, iyah, Out Deh!

• [geobarefoot]

  Sad to know (you’re leaving). RIP Cool Ruler.

• [Anonymous]

  Some music captures some wonderful memories your voice was unique RIp x

• [Anonymous]

  Ugh, I was listening to Soon Forward (Sunsplash ’81) on repeat on the way to work today. Checked my rss, and punch, right in the gut. He’ll be missed.

• [Anonymous]

  Gregory was the best singer ever(ragga style). I had seen him in concert several times in JA and here too.I will hold onto the hugs and kisses I received at one of my cousins dance where he belted out some wicked tune. An ICON he will be greatly MISSED. Andria xx;

• [Anonymous]

  We will miss him greatly. Rest in Peace the great gregory

• [Anonymous]

  gregory isaacs was my #1 singer

• [Chang]

  Shit shit shit.

  I love Isaacs. Even though my favoite song of his is the “Slum” track, he was still such an amazing singer. Crap. 59 is too young.

• [Anonymous]

  HE WAS ONE OF MY BEST SINGERS,HAVE ALMOST ALL HIS ALBUMS,RIP,HE ALSO BROUGHT LOVE TO THE HEARTS OF MANY AND SHALL SURELY BE MISSED.

• [Anonymous]

  Saw him perform twice in Jamaica during my tween puberty years. In the middle of life’s awkward stage, this man taught me how to dance!

• [Anonymous]

  :(

  Gone to soon…I lovvvveeedd him G.I. the man of the slow rockers, I am about 23 years younger the Gregory, but remember rocking to his music from a little girl & when I am visiting Jamaica his music just makes me feel like I’m at home…I’ll miss you, leave me now let me pray & mourn in peace for this angel taken to make music with our Maker!

• [Anonymous]

  RIP Cool Ruler! I saw he an Dennis Brown on the same stage in 1987. Magic!

• [omnivore]

  Sugar Minott, now Isaacs. Two great voices. Bad day.

  • [Bionicrat2]

    “Oh the pain is getting worse…”