Reggae Artist Gregory Isaacs is a Music Legend

Gregory Isaacs, the Jamaican reggae artist who sang "Night Nurse" and "Rumors" died in London on Monday, October 25, 2010 but his music will live on.

The BBC Caribbean Report announced on the morning of Monday, October 25, 2010 that reggae music legend Gregory Isaacs died at 59 after a bout with lung cancer. Isaacs is well known for his expressive lyrics about love and was also referred to as the 'Cool Ruler'. He has released countless songs and albums which are appreciated globally.

Gregory Isaacs - The 'Cool Ruler'

Isaacs' albums include Cool Ruler released by Frontline in 1978, Can't Stay Away released by VP Records in 1992, Mr. Isaacs by Blood & Fire Records in 1977 and Maximum Replay released by Gone Clear Music Distribution in 1996. His most recent release was Brand New Me in 2008 by African Museum. In August 2010, Isaacs performed at the British Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival.

The Popular Classic Reggae Songs of Gregory Isaacs

When anyone thinks of Gregory Isaacs, the first songs that come to mind are "Night Nurse," "Rumours" or "Red Rose for Gregory." Other classic songs include "Mind You Dis (Rude Boy)", "All I Need Is You" and "Too Good to Be True (Soul Jam)."

• "Night Nurse" Calls for Attention: "Tell her it's a case of emergency, there's a patient by the name of Gregory" sings Isaacs in the lyrics. His emergency or ache is a broken heart that needs to be mended by one special lady who can "quench dis ya thirst" because "the pain is getting worst." Gregory Isaacs released a remake of "Night Nurse" with Lady Saw (http://www.ladysaw.net/) on Reggae Gold 1996.
• Classic Isaacs in "All I Need is You": The songs starts with the lyrics "they can't get me with silver, they can't get me with gold, they wonder why I love you so." In the chorus, Isaacs sings the anthem "all I need is you and only you will do." This song shares the expression of love between lovers.
• "Red Rose for Gregory": In this song, Gregory Isaacs wonders about who may have sent him a red rose. This song has simple yet flowing lyrics with a paced reggae beat as Isaacs sings "somebody sent a rose for me and I don't know who could it be." Even as the song comes to an end, Isaacs leaves the listener wanting to know who really sent the red rose.
• Who Spread the "Rumours" about Gregory Isaacs: In "Rumours" Isaacs expresses his frustration about people spreading gossip about him planting marijuana or as he sings it "sensi me planting". Even though he sings of his aggravation, the lyrics do not insight any malice or bad intention towards the gossipers.
• Isaacs Sings "Mind You Dis (Rude Boy)": "Mind you dis, rudeboy, mind you disrespect me" is the repetitive hook on this song. While "Mind You Dis (Rude Boy)" is not the typical love music that Isaacs is known for, this song cannot be discounted. He sings to his opponent "take it easy, just calm, your battle is hot but my victory is sweeter, don't agitate my temper show respect to your elder."

Gregory Isaacs is simply asking the younger generation to show respect. Reggae music fans will miss Gregory Isaacs for his classic style and expressive lyrics. However, even with his passing on October 25, 2010, reggae music fans will always remember songs like "Night Nurse" and "Mind You Dis (Rude Boy)" which represent Isaacs' smooth style.