Gregory Isaacs

Infobox musical artist
Name = Gregory Isaacs


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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 Jamaican reggae musician.

Career

In the 1970s, he emerged as one of the most prolific and popular recording artists in Jamaica. He released a number of self-produced singles on his African Museum (JA) record label, formed in 1973 with Errol Dunkley. Much of Isaacs' output reflected the 'conscious' themes of roots 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 at Lee Perry's Black 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 then Charisma 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 on compilation albums from this period.

Isaacs signed an international release contract with Island Records, which resulted in the release of the albums "Night Nurse" (1982), probably his best known album among the many international music fans who had taken to reggae by then; and "Out Deh!" (1983). Personal problems affected him after this recording contract ended. After recording for a number of record producers, Isaacs built a strong relationship with Gussie 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 2005 Lady Saw produced another version of "Night Nurse" with her toasting over the original lyrics.

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 nicknames 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", a documentary film featuring Isaacs

References

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