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Your tributes to Gregory Isaacs
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Reggae legend Gregory Isaacs died Monday morning after a battle with lung cancer.
Isaacs, who was 59 years old, died on Monday morning at his home in London where he spent part of his time. He was surrounded by three of his eleven children and his wife Linda Isaacs who told BBC Caribbean that he passed away peacefully. Neil Nunes of BBC Caribbean interviewed Gregory Isaac's wife, Linda, on her husband's passing.
The Jamaican reggae singer, who was nicknamed the Cool Ruler, was best known for the song 'Night Nurse'.
Jamaica's Minister of Culture, Olivia "Babsy" Grange, told BBC Caribbean that Isaacs was a pioneer and paid tribute to him for his vast contribution to reggae music as a singer, songwriter, producer and promoter.
Earlier this year, the reggae legend was featured in the BBC's Caribbean Masters series.
Some of your comments sent via e-mail to BBC Caribbean (This has now closed but Thank You for your kind comments during the
week)
May he rest in Peace. I am one of his fans and he will be one of the greatest men in the reggae history. I was saddened when
I heard of his death and am still sad. He had this melodic singing voice tone and swag that was cool. May God bless he and
his family in whom he has left behind. I am glad that he died in peace. Me and my children grow up on your music. You will be dearly missed. The Cool Ruler is what you are. There is no other like
you GI. The world of music has lost a great man, with a humble heart. A true legend of lovers rock reggae music. His contribution to the industry cannot be overemphasized. The world is gonna miss
you. Peace. Gregory was a cool ruling 'permanent loving' who has now 'soon forward' to cross 'the border' and go through the 'front door'.
Gone but never forgotten. God bless him and R.I.P. Gregory will be missed immensely. He was not just 'Mr Night Nurse' but a very talented artist who sang music that influenced
both the young and mature together! You have now crossed the border G.I. I will be listening to you when I get there. Honour internally. Jah blessings are with
you. He was the first reggae artist I listened to some 25 years ago. Because of him my love for reggae has grown over the years Alongside Dennis Brown ('your blood brother'), you were the best lovers rock crooners. Red rose for you....R.I.P, Gregory
Isaacs. I grew up with him may he rest in heavenly peace with his brother Bob and the rest. Gregory was always a showman on stage and a real crowd pleaser. Night Nurse was such a huge hit here in the islands. The industry
has lost another musical giant. His music will live on forever. GI, the legend never dies. You have left us with undeniable historic and cultural artefacts. The world mourns your passing.
R.I.P! Thank you for being my dad I will miss you. Thank you, thank you. RIP It is indeed very sad to hear of the passing of a true Lovers' Rock icon. I enjoyed his songs greatly particularly 'Rumours'
and 'Night Nurse.' The line which stood out from all his songs to me was "I give a hand to the wicked with caution". RIP brother
Gregory. A true legend of reggae music, his songs always remind me of good times as a child and I still listen to them now. Will be
missed but never ever forgotten. My thoughts are with Gregory’s wife and children. R.I.P cool ruler I was saddened to hear that one of reggae's greatest artists has passed away. I rank him with my other favourites of Bob Marley,
Dennis.E.Brown, Sugar Minnot. Thanks for the music, memories and the days when a night out at weekends (Gossips 69 Dean street,
London was not complete until anyone of those 4 artists was played. (Night Nurse, The Border, Cool Down, Sitting and Watching,
Here I come, etc) Rest In peace - never to be forgotten Always near the top of the list of my favourite singers, you were pretty much guaranteed a decent GI tune in the 70s and on
into the 80s - a shame the voice faded during the 90s, but 2004's OPEN THE DOOR album is always guaranteed to please. My deepest condolences to Linda and children. Me and his music go way back, his music helped me out through the most difficult
times in my life. It still does and always will. The Cool Ruler, a True Legend. My heart is heavy with sadness but I know
he is not suffering any longer. Much Love and thank you Gregory! You will always be on the top of my list. Gregory was a living legend, a reggae superstar, one of a kind. A man who inspired others. I was so lucky to meet him we
will miss you. God bless you Jamaica has lost a musical icon and there might never be another reggae singer like Gregory who can write so many hit songs I extend condolence to Mrs Isaacs & the Isaacs family. My heartfelt sympathy to the lost of a true legend he was a icon for
sweet reggae music you would be surly miss, love overdue and night nurse two of my favourite tune will live on. May you R.I.P GI was one of the best artists to come out of Jamaica as said before RIP, sympathy to his family but be comforted to know
he was truly loved by many many people even them that didn’t know him were moved by his lyrics & music Jah Bless - Rastafari I cannot believe that you have left us Gregory. I grew up listening to your music. I still play your songs every day. My prays
and my heart goes out to Mrs Isaac & the family. God bless you, sweet Gregory. It is without saying that the World will miss "The Cool Ruler" spreading the Rumours about the power of Love through Reggae
music. Many Blessings upon His Family, and may he rest in peace. I was very sad to hear of Mr. Isaac's passing but I take solace in the belief that he is now singing three-part harmony, with
Bob, and Peter! R.I.P my brother. You will be greatly missed. Your music however will live on in our hearts and minds and on the airwaves.
You brought joy to my heart when I listened to your lyrics. Peace and Love in ah Babylon So sorry to hear of the passing of Gregory. His music will live on in the hearts of many. Its sad to know that you already left, Mr Cool Ruler ,your lovers rock music shall live in the Halls and Homes forever. Rest
in peace and there is no substitute for you.Y our music shall be played longer than expected. 'Bleached it' many times at Treehouse and Biggers West-end Negril JA in the 70's and 80's waiting for Mr. Cool to sing. Jah
has called another warrior home. RIP Jah Gregory and deep condolences to his wife and family. You will be dearly missed, you were a great entertainer god bless and R.I.P one love. I will miss you Mr Lover, rest in peace Thanks for every single song Gregory Isaacs's contribution to reggae music was monumental and also helped shape its evolution. In 1973 he co-founded the African Museum record label with Errol Dunkley producing his first major hit ‘My only lover’ credited as the first lovers rock ever made. 1974 gained him world wide recognition with the release of ‘Love is over due’ his first number one tune in Jamaica. His distinctive and unique voice oozed tranquillity, which made him one of the coolest sounding vocalists on the planet, hence the name ‘The Cool Ruler’ stuck with him after releasing said album in 1978. Another alias was "Lonely Lover" Throughout his career he released a string of hits too many to mention but among my favourite are, ‘Tune In’, ‘Permanent Lover’,’dreadlock love affair’, ‘Soon Forward’, ‘Border’ ‘Number One’, ‘Love me with feeling’, ‘Night Nurse’, ‘Front Door’, ‘Poor Millionaire’, ‘If I don’t have you’ and ‘What a feeling’ just to name a few. His music was a source of comfort and pleasure to many of us. Aside from being a top class lovers rock singer he also showed his militant roots side with tracks like ‘Black a kill black’, ‘Universal Tribulation’ Tribute to Waddy’ and many more. His voice is not just associated with reggae, it was reggae. I like to think of him as ‘Greg-reggae-Issacs.” He has truly earned his place along side the greats Robert Nesta Marley and Dennis Emmanuel Brown. We have lost another massive icon to the reggae world and we thank him for all the inspiration he gave us and will continue to give us through his music that will last forever. May he rest in peace. Bless Gregory Isaacs was one of my favourite reggae artists of all times. I am a huge reggae fan. He actually gave me "goosebumps"
with his golden voice, condolences to his family, and his music will definitely live on. Gregory we will miss you dearly...the music you left us will forever stay with us. I remember performing on the same stage
with you in Washington DC and I will forever cherish that memory...Rest In Peace Cool Ruler!!! I want to send out my deepest condolence to his wife, kids and family in this time of sorrow, Mr Cool was and still remain
one of the best singer in the world and I hope his son will continue where he left off. R.I.P Mr Cool we all miss you So sorry to here about the death of Gregory. He will be missed. May his soul R.I.P Simply irreplaceable. Your music, your voice, your vibe. Rest easy Mr. Cool Ruler. Sad to know that you're leaving. I am messed up, Gregory you have been my number 1 for a long time since I was a little girl growing up in Jamaica, at least
30 years. I will miss you much. Yet another of my favourite artists to depart from this world. May you and Bob keep the music going in heaven until we meet
again. Loved u since I was a kid... the Cool Ruler gone but never forgotten... My idol from way back, if you are old-school and into your culture I need not say how this man inspired me and my generation.
He has gone but will never be forgotten. I am very saddened to hear of Gregory's death, but he has moved on to a better place and the suffering has ended. He has left
us with his soft melodic reggae to sooth our pains in life. He was one who made the older generation appreciate the music
of our culture in Jamaica and I hope and pray younger artist will follow his vibes of a cool, soave, and clean music that
is none violent and none provocative sex. He will be missed but his music will live on. May the Most High YAH less his family
and strengthen then in their loss Gregory you will be truly missed. I remember I climbed through my bedroom window to and see you in Finsbury Park 1981. Love
to the Cool Ruler and his family. So sad to hear this news. I heard that he had been ill, but didn't expect this. Saw him many years ago with Sugar Minott,
another legend no longer with us. Gregory's music was the music of my youth, his tunes running through my life, I only have
to hear them and I'm 19 again!! Rest in peace Cool Ruler. I am so sad to hear that the cool ruler died, May God open the door to Gregory. Rest him in peace He was one of the greatest and will be missed by billions. His music brought me happiness and whenever I listen to his music
it lifts my soul. My condolences to his family. A pleasure to see him perform. Condolences to his wife and children, Gregory is gone but not forgotten and his music will live on and on. May he rest in
peace. We really miss u last time was in carnival Leeds. Very sad Gregory you were the coolest ruler, there will never be a 'substitute' for you, you were 'my number one’ and I would have
had you for my 'night nurse' any day. So glad to have met you and have my photo taken with you, now you leave me 'feeling
sad tonight' your music will live on RIP Loved you for 27 yrs since I was 13 and had your poster on my wall. My now 20 year old daughter loves you too after being
bought up listening to you. Gregory you are, a legend gone but not forgotten you will live forever in your music blessings
to your family love you forever rip cool ruler. May you be 'nursed' in your 'Night' Greg, R.I.P Isaacs. Oh, my god , this is a shock for me & many , many others , I love Gregory since I was 15 years old, I admire the music , words
, sweetness of his voice, may god bless his soul rest in peace , Mr, Night Nurse. He was a great singer who touched many with his nice en smooth lyrics, may the most high jah rest his soul in internal world...deepest
condolences to his family Thank you for the red rose and thank you for your music. Respect and peace for family and loved ones. Reggae and the Caribbean Music Industry has lost another Icon.....U'are gone Cool Ruler but not 4gotten....U were loved in
Belize....R.I.P I grew up listening to the cool ruler while growing up in Freetown S/L and have been a fan of his ever since. Another roots
reggae legend has gone into the sunset. RIP GI. Sweetest Lovers Rock voice, only last week my husband and I were rocking his vibes and now to hear this sad news today! RIP
we will keep your music alive in our lives! One Love Privileged to experience the Cool Ruler at his prime...Rainbow Theatre London early 80's. "The Border" live sent a collective
chill down the spine and Gregory shone through the ganja haze in a way that only Bob, Dennis Brown and Burning Spear have
managed. Night Nurse, Rumours dem tunes live forever you was tha Don Nuff Respect R.I.P.Thank You. Gregory! I listen to Gregory Isaacs music since teen age and friends give their son Gregory for name... I saw him in concert for the
first time recently in Paris. R.I.P The Cool Ruler Sadly Gone But Not Missed !! Rest in peace Cool Ruler you'll live on through your music for ever. We miss you. Condolences to the Cool Ruler's family. I lived and breathed the music of Gregory Isaacs. R.I.P Gregory - The Cool Ruler will live on in the music on our decks forever. A great loss to the Reggae Community. Thanks for the musical legacy!! Gregory recently completed an album with his son, Kevin Isaacs, called "Father and Son" - beautiful album. Kevin is without a doubt a chip that did not fall far from the block vocally! My condolences go out to the Isaacs family, friends and fans of the Cool Ruler himself! Great interview by-the-way...! He truly was the "Cool Ruler". Rest in peace and thank you for the gift of your music, Gregory! My condolences go out to his family we went to see Gregory live on stage in the early 80s R.I.P. Red Rose for Gregory. RIP It is really a sad and painful day for me today. Gregory's music made me sooo happy, my medicine for fixing a bad mood.
I will truly miss you. May the Good Lord take care of you. Guess you've done your job here on earth providing good music
now its time to make music in heaven. Praise and blessings for your wonderful voice. My condolences to your love ones. Sad to know that you've left us brother Gregory Another king of reggae gone. But never forgotten. Rest in peace Gregory my condolences go out to the family and friends I love Gregory with all my heart. I met him two years ago at a show in bogue village Jamaica and my favourite song is the
more dem get it a d more dem want it, and listen darling who is gonna hold and squeeze mi tight and it goes on boy am so empty
inside Gregory I miss you Truly an angelic voice which hit millions. May God continue to bless yours u have left behind as he truly needed is angel.
You will be missed. Gregory Isaacs the cool ruler master of lovers rock is dead but his music will live on may his sole rest in peace. May God
bless his family This man was one of the reasons why I started doing music. He is a true inspiration and one that has always impacted my focus
to keep going. He will be missed, this is unbelievable. His music shall surely live on. Blessed love and R.I.P mi Elder! I am so sorry to hear of the sad passing of one of Jamaica's most unique sons. Gregory had one of the most unique and unmistakable
voice that will remain with us for generations to come. My condolence goes out to his wife, children and family. Rest in peace
Gregory. Have known Gregory since we were children growing up in Kingston and I am so sad to learn of his passing. My deepest condolences
to his wife Linda and his family. I grew up with Gregory so sad, love and condolences to his friends and family, a great loss to reggae. a sum up "sweet sweet
memories. Loved your music I love the night nurse and will keep playing all your music all my thoughts are with the family you will
be missed. R.I.P to the best reggae singer of my time, was lucky to have had the opportunity to meet you Thanks for the memories and music Gregory. Condolences to his family. Memories and music last forever. My prayers go out to the family. He was an awesome artist; he will be missed in all countries, for he was well known the world
over. Greg...u were the cool ruler man...Jah remember... He was one of the greatest who will be sadly missed. Rest in peace Great singer. Roots reggae is about caring for people when they are ill, weak and disabled. Life has no meaning without compassion.
Peace great man, peace Gregory. Rest in peace dear friend you lead us for centuries with your amazing lover´s rock miss you. My heart and soul are crying. To see GI in concert was to see someone who really had swagger in it's fullness, current artists struggle to match it. Your
music provided the backdrop, politically and socially to many of our lives, may your family be surrounded by those who will
love and comfort them at this sad time. Big suppa gwaan to sion....Jah bles star. i man nes se so from the apache crew A true inspiration R.I.P you are now amongest the angles where you belong. Country: England Mister Isaacs was one of the greatest singers in the reggae history; it is an awful day for all lovers of Gregory’s golden
style. R.I.P Legend, a teacher in reggae music who is loved unconditionally. Just heard the news about Gregory. I've been listening to his music for many, many years and he was one of mine and my husband’s
favourite artists. A real loss to the music world. U gone but ya music live.
Monday responses
G.I as he was popularly known in Kenya. I remember when he toured Kenya in early 2000.Condolences to his family and country. Deepest, heartfelt condolences to Gregorys family and friends..thanks for yur beautiful music Gregory..rest in perfect peace.
xx He was a great composer, inspired many.We may miss his voice but his work shall go through generations and generations.RIP
Gregory. One of my greatest Reggae favourites has passed away. I'm very sad about this message. But Gregory will live in his music
forever. My condolences to Mrs Isaacs and children, may the Cool Ruler rest in peace, he was a legend and one of my first albums was
Gregorys. He will be truly missed a voice like an angel. I loved your music and have it has my ring tone 'Night Nurse'. You will be well missed RIP. A great Reggae Icon, he was and will be missed by many. Gregory Isaacs. Reggea hero, militant roots rock combined with the sweetest lovers reggea. You will be sadly missed. Thank
you for soothing my soul with your smooth voice. I'll treasure your music for ever. R.I.P Sir Gregory Isaacs you will be truly missed. You are a legend. Rest in peace Today is a very sad day. I was not aware that Gregory Isaacs was ill and I am very glad I had a chance to see The Night Nurse
Man in concert in VA. It is very sad the world have lost another Great Reggae Legend again. R.I.P Gregory Isaacs. The IslandMan
Love You and will miss You. Jah Rasterfari... A Reggae Legend who will be greatly missed by young and old. My prayers are with his family and close friends. You may be
gone from our sight, but your music will live on. God Bless The cool ruler will be surely missed. Condolences to his wife and children. I was shocked & saddened to hear the sad passing of Gregory Isaacs. The best tune back in the 80's is Night Nurse. My condolences
goes to his family and friends. Gregory, may you rest in peace, and god bless you. R.I.P a great loss to the world he will be missed. Thanks for the sounds. I am so sad right know. I can't believe the Reggae community has lost yet another great legend. May you rest in perfect peace
Gregory. Will always love you and your music. It's inspirational to me. Thank you Simply the Best A very sad sad day R.I.P The Cool Ruler your music will live on forever as you will in our hearts R.I.P Gregory. The best singer. I don't believe he has gone zion. Gregory live forever. R.I.P a true legend, will be greatly missed Great work done, mr love doctor R.I.P A great reggae artist a classic maker of some of the finest reggae songs ever produced he brought much pleasure to young
old romantic and roots reggae lovers . He is already missed, give thanks for his life, nuff relationships and affairs
of the hart came as a result of his music, Nuff baby born and niceness enjoyed One love Cool Ruler I give thanks I am sorry we loose such a great legend I love his music very much. It is a very,very sad day today.I had just that Gregory was ill on my Sirius radio last week and now his dead. We have lost
another Great Reggae legend again. R.I.P. Gregory Isaacs. I Love You Gregory, may your soul rest in peace. I hope you took an opportune moment to make peace with your maker. Gregory was my No.1
reggae artist. Will miss his music. More Gregory. Condolences to his family and may his soul rest in eternal peace. You may
be gone but your music will live on forever. A massive talent whose voice will be remembered! I recall many great nights listening to Gregory. R.I.P. brother. Aged of 15, a long time ago I was given your album and fell in love with you, from that day on.. R.I.P my lover rock man... A great loss not only to the reggae community-but to cultural progress in general-the cool ruler will never die. 'Black a
kill black ' will remain one of the finest socio-political records ever made. I have listened and loved the man's music for most of my life. Blessings and condolences I send to the family. Gregory Isaacs wrote the soundtrack to my teen years. 'Border', 'Tune In', 'Slave Master', are just a few of the tunes that
have never left my sub-conscious. Original 'rude boy', whose swagger matched his incredible talent. I'll miss you. I loved this artist, bad boy singer, I have plenty of his selection ranging from early 70-s up to now. Extra classic that's what he was and will always be. A huge amount of respect goes out to Gregory Isaacs. In my opionion the greatest reggae singer of my generation. |
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Listen to the interview with Linda Isaacs
Gregory Isaacs - a prolific life
