Image Credit: David Corio/Redferns/Getty ImagesFamed Jamaican singer Gregory Isaacs died of cancer today at his London home, his manager confirms. He was 60.
Isaacs became one of the world’s biggest reggae stars in the 1970s and 1980s with major hits like “Night Nurse” (hear it after the jump) and “Rumours,” spanning the transition from more traditional styles to synth-based dancehall.
“Yes, it’s true,” Isaacs’ manager, Copeland Forbes, writes in an email to the Music Mix. “Gregory passed away this morning in London at 4 A.M. He had a tumor which had spread to other areas of his body. He was 60 years old. I spoke with him last week and he said that I should read Psalm 41 and Psalm 91 for him. I had made arrangements to go back to London on Wednesday to see him as I hadn’t seen him since we went to London together to do the Big Chill Festival (his last show in his life), which had over 60,000 people in attendance. He was the only reggae act on the bill. May his soul rest in peace.”
Please join the Music Mix in sending our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of reggae’s “Cool Ruler.”
(Follow The Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)
More reggae coverage from EW:
Read EW’s review of Isaacs’ 1994 album Dancehall Don
Nas and Damien Marley on their Distant Relatives collaboration
Prayers to Gregory Issacs’ friends and family. May he find peace. RIP
Gregory Issacs was one of Jamaica’s best reggae artist I loved his music since I was in my teen. I always wanted to see but never got the chance I have most of his records and cd’s I’ll miss my friend..May you rest in peace..your music will always play on..
Legend! Rest in Peace my friend – your music has shaped my life.
Red Rose for Gregory!
I love you man Jah be with you alwaws. I am who I am because of you
AS a youngster growing up in Jamaica in the late 70s Gregory, Dennis Browm and Bunny Wailer was my musical inspiration. Gone too soon. RIP “cool ruler”.
May you rest in peace. Your music will live on forever.
I saw Gregory at the House of Blues just a few months ago. As great as ever. Go with Jah. Blessings Gregory. Thank you.
May he rest in peace.I really love his music.
Gregory gone too soon. I never missed any of his concerts. RIP Rasta.
Your music got me through some rough times and made the good times better! See you at the crossroads. Say what’s up to Bob and Peter Tosh! Much love Gregory!
My condolences to Gregory’s family. What an entertainer – he had an incomparable stage presence. His style was smooth and effortless and he just naturally connected with ladies. Saw him perform with 3rd World and D Brown and they made the mistake of having him open the show – he stole it with his performance. Judge not lest ye be judged – RIP!
RIP my brother we love you
May The Most High Jah Travel with his soul to the holy land
I am very saddened to hear of Gregory Isaac’s passing. I love all his music. When you listened to his music, it just uplift your spirit. His memories will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace. My condolence to his family.
May god bless his family, And may he rest in peace.
Gregory was mr mellow and a smoothe operator may is soul rest in peace one fe know him do enough on this earth and him tired, better him go home to sleep, than to feel the pain and suffer.
My favorite reggae artist. He is a legend! I hope his family will be comforted by the fact that he was so well loved. May his soul rest in peace.
Forever The Cool Ruler! I saw him in concert a few years ago at BB King in NYC. May his soul rest in peace!
Rest in peace Mr Issacs, I enjoyed watching you preform, you were and still are one of the greatest reggae stars to ever preform and will live forever in my heart!!!