GREGORY ISAACS

Gregory Isaacs ranks as one of the true superstars of reggae music, with a career that spans three decades and legions of loyal fans worldwide. His humble upbringing began in Kingston, Jamaica where he was born in 1951. Like many before him, he started his singing career in the early 70's by working with a number of producers and entering various local talent competitions. His first records of notice were on Rupie Edwards' Success label. To gain artistic freedom and financial control of his own work, Isaacs was started his own African Museum label and shop in Kingston in 1973 with singer Errol Dunkley. In order to finance his label, he continued to work with other producers such as Winton "Niney The Observer" Holness, Gussie Clark, Lloyd Campbell, and Alvin "GG" Ranglin for the rest of the 70's. His early recordings were responsible for the development of his singing style, love ballads with his cool relaxed nasal style, as well as his ease with songs about social protest. By 1980, Gregory had become one of the top stars in the reggae world, touring the UK and US extensively. He signed with Virgin Records' Frontline label and gained a considerable name for himself outside the regga... more...