Tribute to the Reggae Legend

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Gregory dies at 59; Jamaican singer pioneered reggae style known as lovers rock

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One of the genre major stars in the 1970’s, the ‘Cool Ruler’ had a polished sound and lyrics that focused on tales of love.  He was also known for his designer suits. 

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Gregory Isaacs, the Jamaican singer who pioneered the style of reggae music known as lovers rock and became one of the genre’s major stars in the 1970s, has died. He was 59.

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Isaacs died Monday at his home in London, according to his manager, Copeland Forbes. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer last year.

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Known as the “Cool Ruler,” as he styled himself in the title of a 1978 album, Isaacs cut a dapper figure in his designer suits and silk shirts — an image suited to a style of music that emphasized romantic yearning over reggae’s more traditional themes of spiritual and political transformation.

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“I’d say he’s one of the three geniuses I’ve known in the reggae music business, and I’ve known everyone,” said Gary Himelfarb, who recorded several Isaacs albums for his Washington, D.C.-based RAS Records label in the 1990s.

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“Gregory was the kind of person who could walk through a room of 20 people and come out the other side and tell you what everybody was wearing,” added Himelfarb, whose professional name is Doctor Dread. “He could sit at a piano and compose incredible tunes. He was really brilliant. He was on a whole other level than your typical Jamaican artist.”

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Isaacs was born in Kingston on July 15, 1951, and grew up in Denham Town. In school, he enjoyed reading, composition and painting, and at home he listened to American R&B on his family’s radio.

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Gregory Isaacs

July 15, 1951 - Oct 25, 2010

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Pick a war any war.  

You can watch my salute to the troops video “When You Come Home” on Beliefnet.com after reading today’s story

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The following story has been repreated all too many times.  It serves as a reminder that someone paid the price for your freedom.

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“As they saw his angel face”

by Bob Perks

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A Memorial Day Message
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They were both there the first time he cried. It was a joyful sound. The sound of life beginning and they waited so long to hear it. Mom and Dad were proud of him as they saw his angel face.He grew to be a young man full of hope and pride. He had dreams and plans for the future. In fact, waiting for him back home was the girl of his dreams. They met at school and just like fairy tales and romance stories this love affair was the kind that was meant to be.

The last time they saw each other they made promises of faithfulness. They talked about the wedding and a dozen or more children of their own. He said “I love you more than anything in this world.” She cried and with tears running softly down her face she said, ” I will wait for you and while we are apart my heart will skip every other beat until your return.” Read More

Comments (0) May 25 2009