Jamaica’s greatest gift to the world is the music it produced and popularized in the form of the reggae genre. Mention Jamaica and the name of Bob Marley will come next. He is Jamaica’s legendary symbol especially for the musically-inclined. However, this territory has produced more than just one great singer. Let us learn a little more about reggae music by knowing another icon – Gregory Isaacs.
The climb to fame didn’t came easy for Isaacs. Just like any aspiring talent, the hailed Cool Ruler of reggae music had to join numerous contests to gain attention and followers. His early attempts were not fruitful, though. His first record was ‘Another Heartbreak’ in 1968. The venture didn’t make it, but failure didn’t stop him from moving forward. Soon after, he became part of The Concords. Single after single, their attempts were still unsuccessful in terms of sales. Eventually, the group decided to disband and Isaacs was left by himself.
The flame burning inside him as a performer continued to live on amid disappointment. He then decided to open his own label alongside then budding singer Errol Dunkley. Dunkley was a considerable choice because he had a number of successful songs to his name. Coincidentally, Dunkley’s glimmer wore off and the spotlight focused on Isaac’s single ‘My Only Lover’.
The self-produced single paved way for Isaacs’s popularity. The golden years transpired from 1973 to 1976. His music at that time has become timeless pieces of art that are reminisced even today. Years after, an opportunity for international stardom knocked on his door when he signed with Virgin Records.
Popularity dawned on Isaacs just like any other famous personality. The temptation of drug addiction was something that the singer failed to resist. Several breaks and arrests after, the reggae legend was able to prove that real talent is hard to ignore as he was able to come back even brighter when he his re-entered the industry.
The singer died at the age of 59 due to lung cancer in 2010, but his legacy continued to reign supreme even after his passing.
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