Gregory Isaacs, the Jamaican reggae star known as "the Cool Ruler" for his laid-back, seductive vocal style, died Oct. 25 in London of lung cancer. He was 59.
The Kingston-born singer was one of the reigning male soloists of '70s and '80s roots reggae and dancehall, but his career was derailed by legal problems and drug addiction.
Projecting a streetwise, "rude boy" persona undercut by a supple, pleading vulnerability in his voice, Isaacs rose to fame in the late-'70s with a series of simmering records -- some of them issued on his own African Museum label -- that exploited reggae's sensuous rhythmic throb.
Variety
Gregory Isaacs’ wife, Linda, released the following statement: “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. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.”
Gregory Isaacs was known as a practitioner of Lovers Rock, "a style of reggae music noted for its romantic sound and content."
I personally saw Gregory Isaacs perform only once, on New Years Day 2005 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts, a brief 45 minute set featuring a medley of his hits.
RIP Gregory Isaacs
Night Nurse:
If I Don't Have You:
Babylon Too Rough: