Famecrawler
Remembering Gregory Isaacs, Father and Reggae Music Legend
A poster advertising a Gregory Isaacs concert
Gregory Isaacs once lamented that he graduated from Cocaine High School, “the greatest college ever, but the most expensive school fee ever paid.” But his costly drug addiction never stopped him from making beautiful music. The reggae legend, once described by the New York Times as owning the “most exquisite voice in reggae,” died this morning in London after a battle with cancer.
Isaacs, who leaves behind a wife and at least two children (apologies, I couldn’t find the exact number – maybe a reader knows?), was nicknamed the Cool Ruler. He released his first recording in 1968, but he didn’t have his first widespread hit until 14 years later, with “Night Nurse.”
The Jamaica native battled drug addiction for much of his career, and his teeth fell out because of it, as the story goes.
Please add your remembrances of this great musician below.
Photo: Wikipedia
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22 Comments
Asia Simone commented on Oct 25 10 at 9:16 amI remember being in purgatory and the ‘Cool Ruler’ helped me find solice…R.I.P GREGORY ISAACS.
gorilla21.net commented on Oct 25 10 at 9:31 amRIP Greg xx
Sean commented on Oct 25 10 at 10:47 amWas lucky enough to enjoy the Cool Rulers last performance. saddening news. The music will forever live on!
MissUnderstood commented on Oct 25 10 at 10:48 amI once heard that he had 96 children. Probably not true, but ya neva know. RIP Kool Ruler
patrisse commented on Oct 25 10 at 11:10 amGreg we shall miss you. I remember when growing up and life was hard but your music gave us the youth hope. Rest in peace.
Chantelle commented on Oct 25 10 at 11:34 amI loved his voice … my parents played his music when I was growing up and now I’m an adult, I have such respect for his ability. R.I.P
JOSAPHAT (JOX) sATENAY commented on Oct 25 10 at 12:11 pmRIP – GREGORY ISAACS(THE COOL RULER ) DJ JOX,-STORM INTERNATIONAL SOUNDS & THE TROPICALFETE.COM crew,our condolences goes out the the family
Aman commented on Oct 25 10 at 12:46 pmReally such a great man Watch all video at: http://gregory-isaacs-dies.notlong.com
gloria commented on Oct 25 10 at 1:42 pmI am a great fan of Gregory’s. I’m a nurse so of course I love “Night Nurse”. Gregory:May you walk among the angels and on those streets of gold that are promised to us! Say hello to Bob! No more pain or suffering. RIP (REJOICE IN PARADISE) Much respect
John Pride commented on Oct 25 10 at 1:51 pmWe loved you but the Most High loved you more.R.I.P.big man
Lisl commented on Oct 25 10 at 1:53 pmNight Nurse changed my entire outlook on life. Thank you Gregory.
LM commented on Oct 25 10 at 1:59 pmMay Jah bless pon yuh soul dread!
Mel commented on Oct 25 10 at 2:19 pmMy favourite reggae artist! Real consciuos music when you feel down!! RIP my brother. You will be truly missed!!
dottie commented on Oct 25 10 at 2:37 pmRIP Cool Ruler….I like many many more loved your music thank you for the years of lovers rock you gave us.Gregory your memory will live on forever
Elizabeth Haynes commented on Oct 25 10 at 3:54 pmFell in love with my husband listening to the Cool Ruler. He will be greatly missed. RIP
Elizabeth Haynes commented on Oct 25 10 at 3:56 pmWe love you and will greatly miss you. RIP “Cool Ruler” Gil & Liz (Barbados)
Caroline Baker commented on Oct 25 10 at 4:13 pmRIP….Gregory played a huge part in the music fraternity and will be greatly missed. His music will live on forever!! JAH BLESS!!
MI$$ K@'I commented on Oct 25 10 at 4:15 pmUNCLE GREGORY WENT HOME TO MEET UNCLE BOB! JAH RASTAFARI! YOUR MUSIC WILL LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS! MOKU NUI LUVS YOU AND YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED!
jennifer hall campbell commented on Oct 25 10 at 5:12 pmI’M THE NIGHT NURSE U SING ABOUT. IN MINE MIND!RIP MY BROTHER
!!!!!!!!
jennifer hall campbell commented on Oct 25 10 at 5:13 pm2ND COMMENT
jennifer hall campbell commented on Oct 25 10 at 5:15 pmDISREGARD FIRST COMMENT
charmaine steiner commented on Oct 25 10 at 10:01 pmone of the best ever! now your soul can rest in peace!! big up bob! you will be greatly missed!
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