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Some legendary singers are famous for a song, or a genre, or moment in time, but only one is beloved for his sensuous moan – the International "Cool Ruler," Gregory Isaacs.
One of Jamaica's most prolific and provocative vocalists, Gregory Isaacs' career has stretched over 30 years – stirring up dancehalls and simmering behind closed doors worldwide. From the heady days of reggae through lover's rock - a genre he has dominated - his musical roots continue to reach far into the modern age. It is estimated that Isaacs has released up to 500 albums - including compilations - in Jamaica, the U.K., and the U.S. combined.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on July 15, 1951, Isaacs arrived in the music business via the talent show circuit, a tried and true formula for many of the island's budding singing stars. Byron Lee was the first in the industry to spot his talent and brought him and Winston Sinclair into the studio to record the duet, "Another Heartbreak" in 1968.
Between 1973 and 1976 alone, the singer released more material than most artists do in a lifetime, virtually all of it timeless classics ("My Only Lover," "In Person", "All I Have Is Love", and "Extra Classic"). In 1978, he signed with Virgin's Front Line label. That same year, the singer had a featured role in the classic Rockers movie. It was at this point that Island stepped up to the plate and signed the singer to their Mango imprint. By this time, the two polar sides of Isaacs were apparent: the roots singer, whose emotive sufferer's songs and cultural numbers were filled with fire, and the crooning lover, whose passionate declarations of devotion quivered with emotion. Eventually, the vocalist's ties to the lovers rock scene saw his reputation as the Cool Ruler overshadow the equally impassioned roots performer, but his work in the latter half of the '70s shows his heart was true to both.
Virgin label head Richard Branson must have cursed his timing, as Isaacs brought forth his biggest hit of all, "Night Nurse." The Mango debut is still considered his pinnacle release. It featured the steaming Roots Radics band who backed Gregory on many of his more popular releases.
In 1988 Isaacs had already stormed the world with the 1988 Gussie Clarke-produced "Rumours," whose rhythm launched scores of further version hits, including J.C. Lodge's smash, "Telephone Love." His prodigious output shows no sign of slowing as the legend of Gregory Isaacs continues to be written.
Check out Gregory Isaacs at www.myspace.com/gregoryisaacsmon
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