Gregory Isaacs performing in Charlotte, NC. GBurkeImages Photo
Mr Isaacs, an extraordinarily talented artiste who emerged from the Jamaican working class, was born in Fletchers Land, a community located in central Kingston. He would later take Jamaica's name across the globe with his own brand of that music called Reggae.
A New York Times article once described Mr Isaacs as "the most exquisite vocalist in Reggae", and with good reason. Neither his voice nor overall sound has yet been replicated by any up-and-coming act, leaving him with a truly substantial legacy. Insiders remark how private and complex the artiste was. However, within all this privacy and complexity what existed was an honesty which spilled over into his music.
A classic case is his tell-it-like-it-is track Hard Drugs. No frills, no sugar-coating, it is classic Gregory on this 1988 single. This followed a firestorm of rumours surrounding the artiste and drug use and came to a head when he faced a six-month prison term on gun possession charges.
That incarceration was like a blessing in disguise as he was given the opportunity to face his demons head on, with time spent in drug rehabilitation.
However, it was his honesty on this track which endeared him to the Jamaican public and allowed for him to be welcomed back on to the local and international stages. He later reportedly called drugs 'a debasing weapon'.
His frank discussions concerning drugs and his efforts to kick the habit can serve as a benchmark for others facing similar trials and tribulations, and is perhaps one of the life lessons which many can draw on at this time.
Mr Gregory Isaacs made it 'cool' to admit to faltering, and utilised the best therapy he knew — being open and putting it to music. Through the track Hard Drugs, many are able to understand the battle of drug addition from a 'been there done that' standpoint. He sings: the more them get it, ah de more them want it, talking about Hard drugs, them still want more.
This bump in the road never stopped the artiste from heading towards life's highways, where he continuously took the music. His catalogue contains much loved gems starting with his 1973 hit, My Only Lover, credited as being the first lovers rock track; the 1974 hit Love is Overdue; the popular Night Nurse which reached #32 on the UK chart in 1982 and later covered by British artiste Simply Red and a long list of personal favourites claimed by his fans worldwide.
The Grammy awards have recognised his work through three nominations in the Reggae category — Mr Cool (1997), Private & Confidential (2001) and Brand New Me (2009).
Affable, mild-mannered and his trademark swagger have combined with his smooth lovers rock classics earned him the moniker the Cool Ruler.
The music and jamaica have, indeed, lost another colourful treasure.
