Gregory Isaacs
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Gregory Isaacs, one of Jamaica’s most prolific singers, released over 125 albums in his 40-plus year career, rivaling fellow artist Dennis Brown in terms of output. His seminal LP, Mr Isaacs, was among the first pressed and distributed in the US by VP Records and featured the enduring hit “Slave Master.” Another major track by Isaacs, “Rumours,” produced by Gussie Clarke, demonstrated his mastery of the digital reggae and dancehall sound of the late 1980s.
Born on July 15, 1951, in Kingston, Jamaica, Isaacs began his music career through the talent show circuit and recorded his first duet, “Another Heartbreak,” in 1968. After a brief stint with the vocal trio the Concords, he established his own record store and label, African Museum, with Errol Dunkley in 1973, finding success with his self-produced single “My Only Lover.” Between 1973 and 1976, Isaacs released a prolific amount of music, including the albums In Person, All I Have Is Love, and Extra Classic, featuring a mix of hit songs and new material.
Isaacs gained international acclaim with the 1978 album Cool Ruler, but his biggest hit, “Night Nurse,” came in 1982 under Island Records’ Mango imprint, solidifying his reputation as a major reggae artist. Despite struggles with addiction and health issues later in life, Gregory Isaacs remained a respected figure in reggae music until his death in London on October 25, 2010, at the age of 59. VP Records continues to honor his artistry and legacy through posthumous releases, including 2023’s Rebirth of the Cool Ruler, a King Jammy-produced album that refreshed old master recordings with appearances from iconic and new generation reggae artists.