- Gregory Isaacs
Infobox musical artist
Name = Gregory Isaacs
Img_capt =
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Gregory Anthony Isaacs
Alias =
Born = Birth date and age|1950|7|15|mf=y
Died =
Origin = Kingston,Jamaica
Instrument =
Genre =Reggae
Occupation =Singer -Songwriter
Years_active = 1968 - Present
Label =
Associated_acts =
URL =
Current_members =
Past_members =Gregory Isaacs (born Gregory Anthony Isaacs,
15 July ,1950 , Fletchers Land, Kingston,Jamaica ) is a Jamaicanreggae musician .Career
In the 1970s, he emerged as one of the most prolific and popular
recording artist s inJamaica . He released a number of self-produced singles on hisAfrican Museum (JA)record label , formed in 1973 withErrol Dunkley . Much of Isaacs' output reflected the 'conscious' themes ofroots reggae , but Isaacs was equally adept at interpreting more mainstream lovers rock material. His hits include "My Only Lover", "Sinner Man " and "Mr. Cop", recorded atLee Perry 'sBlack Ark Studio .A period in the 1970s with the GG's label and its
record producer ,Alvin Ranglin produced hits like "Border" and "Number One". Many consider his best music to be from the various producers and labels he recorded with in the 1970s, with rootsier songs like "Slave Master" from the classic "Mr Isaacs" album (1977), contrasting with the optimism of songs like "Love is Overdue" and the beautiful, moving "Loving Pauper".He signed with
Virgin Records and thenCharisma Records in the late 1970s, and material from this period gave him a wider international audience. Songs such as "Soon Forward", "If I Don't Have You" and "Let's Dance" are often re-released oncompilation album s from this period.Isaacs signed an international release contract with
Island Records , which resulted in the release of thealbum s "Night Nurse" (1982), probably his best known album among the many internationalmusic fans who had taken to reggae by then; and "Out Deh!" (1983). Personal problems affected him after thisrecording contract ended. After recording for a number of record producers, Isaacs built a strong relationship withGussie Clarke of the Music Works label. His big comeback hit of 1988, "Rumours", was popular with both young reggae fans, and with those who had listened to his music since those classic songs from the 1970s.In the 1990s the African Museum label continued to release all of Isaacs' music, and that of artists he produced. In 1997
Simply Red covered "Night Nurse " and had a hit with it. Isaacs continues to record and perform live in the 2000s. In 2005Lady Saw produced another version of "Night Nurse" with hertoasting over the originallyrics .He also performed at the
ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 Inauguration at Jamaica.In 2007 he collaborated with the Spanish rap group
Flowklorikos album Donde Duele Inspira.In 2008, after some 40 years as a recording artist, Mr Isaacs release the new studio album "Brand new me". The album got good critics like this one from Reggae Vibes,“Gregory is back, and how! "Brand New Me" is the very suitable album title for the cool ruler's new album. He is back in a different style, more or less like we were used to from this great lovers & roots artist“ [4]
Isaacs also had a prominent role in the 1978
film "Rockers" alongside many reggae stars of the time. [ [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079815/ IMDb database] ]His
nickname s include "Cool Ruler" and "Lonely Lover".elect discography
*"
In Person " (1975)
*"Extra Classic " (1976)
*"Mr Isaacs " (1977)
*"Willow Tree " (1977)
*"The Best Of Vol. 1 " (1977-8)
*"Cool Ruler " (1978)
*"Soon Forward " (1979)
*"Lonely Lover " (1980)
*"More Gregory " (1981)
*"The Best Of Vol. 2 " (1981)
*"Night Nurse" (1982)
*"Out Deh! " (1983)
*"Judge Not " (1984)
*"Private Beach Party " (1985)
*"Red Rose for Gregory " (1988)
*"I.O.U. " (1989)
*"Hold Tight " (2006)
*"Substance Free " (2007)
*"Brand New Me " (2008)ee also
* "
Land of Look Behind ", adocumentary film featuring IsaacsReferences
http://www.reggae-vibes.com/rev_sin/brandnew.php
External links
* [http://www.reggae-vibes.com/profiles/isaacs/isaacs.htm Biography: Reggae Vibes]
* [http://www.greensleeves.net/bio/bioggregory.html Biography: Greensleeves Records]
* [http://www.rasrecords.com/gregoryisaacs/ RAS Records discography]
* [http://www.myspace.com/gregoryisaacsmon MySpace profile] , with audio selections
* [http://www.strictly-vibes.com/artists/Gregory_Isaacs.htm Gregory Isaacs Vinyl Page] Some of Isaacs' vinyl releases
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