Reggae musician Gregory Isaacs has died aged 59. The Jamaican singer passed away at his London home this morning (25 October) following a long illness.

Isaacs is best known for his 1982 album, Night Nurse, particularly the title track. A prolific artist, he released over 500 albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in reggae and dancehall, including producer Sugar Minott, who also died this year.

"Gregory was well-loved by everyone, his fans and his family," said his wife Linda. "He worked really hard to make sure he delivered the music they loved and enjoyed."

Isaacs was diagnosed with lung cancer last year.

http://www.guardian.co.uk...es-aged-59

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I hadn't even heard that he was ill. One of the absolute great reggae stars and a huge loss to the world of music.

RIP Cool Ruler.

Some favourites...

One of my fave rock steady artists along with Alton Ellis & Byron Lee.

Its incredible that he released over 500 albums though considering his age too, given that he was in the scene since god knows when, I thought he was much older than that.

He'll be missed.

Harlepolis said:

One of my fave rock steady artists along with Alton Ellis & Byron Lee.

Its incredible that he released over 500 albums though considering his age too, given that he was in the scene since god knows when, I thought he was much older than that.

He'll be missed.

Yeah, I often find myself surprised at how young some of these guys that have been around forever are, too. I guess he was one of those who came up as a teenager and was just surprisingly precocious.

His 70s albums are quality; my favourite possibly being Extra Classic. He's one of those singers, for me, who has a great understated delivery. Tbh, I often feel like 'less is more' when it comes to vocals, in contrast to the whole aesthetic of these TV talent shows, which is 'just belt it out'. Loud ≠ soulful, young'ins!!

I rest my case.

deebee said:

His 70s albums are quality

So is a lot of his work in the 80s. Much respect to all the old school roots rockers. RIP.

Cerebus said:

deebee said:

His 70s albums are quality

So is a lot of his work in the 80s. Much respect to all the old school roots rockers. RIP.

You make a powerful case! Gotta love the bassline on that track... I like Night Nurse, too, actually; I just haven't listened to so much of his stuff from then. I do like 80s reggae, though, particularly if there are big electric toms involved!

Sad but not surprising.

Maybe I'll bump some Night Nurse tonight.

Superstition said:

Sad but not surprising.

Maybe I'll bump some Night Nurse tonight.

I say do it! And since I sense a liking for a little Motown, here's one more for your playlist!

deebee said:

Superstition said:

Sad but not surprising.

Maybe I'll bump some Night Nurse tonight.

I say do it! And since I sense a liking for a little Motown, here's one more for your playlist!

What do you think of the Trojan series? One of my friends/co-workers hipped me to them last year and when I bought them, it felt like stumbling on a goldmine I'm asking to know if there's a better series.

I compiled many songs from them and they made a helluva afternoon playlist.

RIP

Harlepolis said:

deebee said:

I say do it! And since I sense a liking for a little Motown, here's one more for your playlist!

What do you think of the Trojan series? One of my friends/co-workers hipped me to them last year and when I bought them, it felt like stumbling on a goldmine I'm asking to know if there's a better series.

I compiled many songs from them and they made a helluva afternoon playlist.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I think there are a couple of others, and I've seen the Soul Jazz ones, but I still like the Trojan sets. People occasionally grumble that they're a bit 'no frills', and they seem to have cornered the market, etc, but you can't go wrong with getting a whole bunch of great tunes for like £10/$15 or something, I reckon! Plus, the (innumerable!) different sets usually seem pretty well compiled. I listen to the Rock Steady, Roots, and Mod Reggae ones on an online thingy called Spotify (I think Grooveshark in the US is similar), and there's some great stuff on there. They have a good Gregory Isaacs compilation, too, as it happens (although it's a bit pricier and has the wrong tracklist on Amazon.com, annoyingly).

RIP Gregory. "High" school wouldnt have been the same without you

"Private Beach Party" is one of my all time favorite albums.

I shall bump it now and burn one for the Cool Ruler...

Peace & Love cool ruler, the reggae world will miss him !

Cotontige said:

Peace & Love cool ruler, the reggae world will miss him !

shocked and gutted another great has left the earth .....

But with all greats the music will live on forever .......

R.I.P. The Cool Ruler....

R.I.P.

He was 59? I don't know why I thought he was older than that.

But damn that's sad. I've been a fan of his for years and grew up listening to his music. He will be missed.

RIP Gregory

Wow! So shocked and saddened to hear this. I was bumping Gregory last weekend. "Cool Down the Pace" was on repeat!

RIP Brother