# Gregory Isaacs Foundation

> Preserving the legacy, empowering the future. Official home of the Gregory Isaacs Foundation — celebrating the life, music, and enduring legacy of The Cool Ruler.

## About Gregory Isaacs

Gregory Anthony Isaacs (July 15, 1950 – October 25, 2010), known as "The Cool Ruler," was a Jamaican reggae singer and one of the most prolific and celebrated vocalists in the history of reggae music. Born and raised in Denham Town, Kingston, Jamaica, he recorded hundreds of songs across a career spanning four decades, with over 500 total releases including studio albums, singles, and compilations.

He is widely credited as a pioneer of lovers rock — a romantic, soulful sub-genre of reggae that he helped define from the early 1970s. His smooth, silky baritone voice was described by The New York Times as "the most exquisite voice in reggae."

He died of lung cancer at his home in Harrow Weald, London, England, on October 25, 2010. He was survived by 11 children.

## Notable Albums

Gregory Isaacs released more than 50 studio albums. His most celebrated include:

- **Night Nurse** (1982) — his breakthrough international album, featuring the iconic title track which has surpassed 100 million Spotify streams
- **Cool Ruler** (1978) — the album whose title became his defining nickname
- **Soon Forward** (1979)
- **Lonely Lover** (1980)
- **More Gregory** (1981)
- **Private Beach Party** (1985)

## Signature Songs

His most celebrated songs include:
- "Night Nurse" (1982) — his signature song, over 100 million Spotify streams
- "My Only Lover" (1973) — cited as one of the first lovers rock records ever made
- "The Border" (c. 1977–78)
- "Rumours" (1988)
- "Babylon Too Rough"
- "Hush Darling"
- "Material Man"

## Awards and Recognition

- **4 Grammy Award nominations** for Best Reggae Album (1996, 2000, 2009, 2010) — he never won
- **Order of Distinction (Officer Class)** — posthumously awarded by the Jamaican government in 2016 for his contribution to Jamaican music
- Featured in the reggae film **Rockers** (1978) and documentary **Land of Look Behind**
- Appeared in the **MOBO Hall of Fame**

## The Gregory Isaacs Foundation

The Gregory Isaacs Foundation was established in 2011 by his family to preserve his musical legacy and empower future generations through music, culture, and education. The Foundation hosts an annual tribute concert, "Red Roses for Gregory," each October.

## The Cool Ruler — Biography

The first-ever biography of Gregory Isaacs is now available. Written to celebrate his life, music, and lasting cultural impact.

- **Digital Edition (Ebook):** $9.96 USD — instant download
- **Physical Edition (Hardcover):** $29.95 USD — ships worldwide
- Available at: https://shop.officialgregoryisaacs.com

## Links

- Website: https://officialgregoryisaacs.com
- Shop: https://shop.officialgregoryisaacs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialgregoryisaacs1/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGregoryIsaacs/
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6QHu71f8LLeT8n0GzfbYFc
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/GregoryIsaacs_