Gregory Isaacs, The Cool Ruler was one of reggae’s greatest stars, recording hundreds of quality sides and performing sell out shows around the world during his long career. After debuting with a series of 45’s for WIRL, Prince Buster and Rupie Edwards, the always independently minded Gregory set up his own African Museum label in 1972 initially with fellow singer Errol Dunkley.
African Museum soon became a mark of quality and recordings were eagerly snapped up as soon as they hit the stores. Alongside these hi-calibre self-productions Gregory laid down hit after hit for the likes of Alvin ‘GG’ Ranglin and Sly & Robbie as well as cutting the essential ‘Mr Issacs’ album for Ossie Hibbert. Gregory also enjoyed long-term major label success with a series of highly regarded albums for Virgin’s Front Line imprint, Charisma’s PRE label and Chris Blackwell’s Island Records where he scored a major hit with the ever popular ‘Night Nurse’
Gregory went on to record six successful solo albums for Greensleeves Records (‘Private Beach Party’ ‘Red Roses For Gregory’,’ I.O.U.’, ‘Absent’, ‘Midnight Confidential’ and ‘Masterclass’) for producers Gussie Clarke, Carlton Hines, Fatis and Blacker Dread as well as sharing billing with Dennis Brown on two further Gussie albums. ‘Judge Not’ and ‘No Contest’
Gregory passed away in 2010 but the recording legacy he left behind will ensure his star will never fade.
