Gregory Isaacs dies at the age of 59

Very sad news hit the world this Monday morning. According to BBC Gregory Isaacs – one of Jamaica’s sweetest vocalists ever – died on Monday in lung cancer, which he was diagnosed with a year ago. He was hospitalized in London some weeks ago and rumours said then that he had died. And now it’s a sad reality.

Gregory Isaacs started his career in the late 60’s and spent a short time in The Concords. And it was solo he became famous with both reality and lovers tunes.

His career is spanning over 40 years and he recorded with almost everybody in the Jamaican recording industry – Augustus “Gussie” Clarke, Lee Perry and Winston “Niney” Holness to name a few producers and Roots Radics and Sly & Robbie are examples of riddims sections he did masterpieces with.

He also produced himself and had his own label and record store African Museum. I think some of his best work is actually self-produced, for example the Cool Ruler set.

I’ve had many, many great moments with my Gregory Isaacs collection and he will be sadly missed. He managed to survive jail and overcome crack cocaine addiction. But cancer was one fight he couldn’t win.

Ten Gregory Isaacs tunes you need to hear:

Artist – song title (producer)

Gregory Isaacs – Rumours (Augustus Clarke)
Gregory Isaacs – Night Nurse (Gregory Isaacs & Errol “Flabba” Holt)
Gregory Isaacs & Carlene Davis – Feeling Irie (Augustus Clarke)
Gregory Isaacs – Soon Forward (Gregory Isaacs & Sly & Robbie)
Gregory Isaacs – Uncle Joe (Gregory Isaacs)
Gregory Isaacs – Mr. Cop (Lee Perry)
Gregory Isaacs – Slave Master (Winston Holness)
Gregory Isaacs – Universal Tribulation (Gregory Isaacs & Sly & Robbie)
Gregory Isaacs & Dennis Brown – Let Off the Supm (Augustus Clarke)
Gregory Isaacs & Mighty Diamonds – Rough Neck (Augustus Clarke)