Reggae Vocalist and Composer. One of Jamaica's most beloved reggae artists and one of its biggest international stars, Gregory Isaacs (known to his fans as "the Cool Ruler") had a music career that stretched over 40 years. From the early days of Rock Steady, through Roots Reggae, Lovers Rock (a genre he virtually invented) and Dancehall - his aching vocals and poignant lyrics about love and loss and ghetto life endeared him to millions of fans of Caribbean music. Gregory Anthony Isaacs was born in the Fletcher's Land area of Kingston, the son of Lester and Enid (Murrary) Isaacs. He entered the music business as a teenager via Jamaica's talent competition circuit, a common approach for many of the island's budding singing stars. In 1969, he teamed up in the short-lived trio, The Concords, but within a year the group split up, and Isaacs began his solo career, initially self-producing his recordings. In 1973, he and another young singer, Errol Dunkley created the African Museum record label and shop, and soon had his first hit with "My Only Lover", credited as the first Lovers Rock song ever recorded. The following year, he began working with producer Alvin Ranglin, and had his first Jamaican number one single with "Love Is Overdue". Over the next five years, Isaacs worked with Jamaica's top producers, recording a string of Jamaican and international hits that included, "My Number One", "Lonely Lover", "Willow Tree", "Mr. Brown" and "Border". In 1978, he signed with Virgin Record's Frontline label and released two albums, "Cool Ruler" and "Soon Forward", with backing rhythms provided by the Revolutionaries, and Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. Later that year, he also had a featured role in the classic reggae film, "Rockers", in which he sang, "Slave Master." By 1980, he was one of the biggest reggae performers in the world, regularly touring the US and the UK, challenged only by Bob Marley. He signed a U.K. record deal with PRE Records

After a long battle with lung cancer, Isaacs died at his home in south London. A memorial service was held on November 20th at Kingston's National Indoor Sports Centre, including a musical tribute from artists including Lloyd Parks and We the People Band, Ken Boothe, Freddie McGregor, Mavado, the Tamlins and Bongo Herman.