Gregory Isaacs, the dancehall legend nicknamed Cool Ruler whose 1982 album Night Nurse made him one of the most popular Jamaican reggae exports of the late '70s and '80s, has died.
Isaacs succumbed at his London home at the age of 59 after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.
With his silky smooth singing and seductive stage presence, Isaacs helped pioneer the lover's rock style of reggae that came out of the South London club scene and infused songs with a romantic, soulful sound that radically differed from the Rastafarian-inspired roots music of Bob Marley and Burning Spear.
Isaacs scored his first big hit with 1973's "My Only Lover," followed with ballads like "All I Have Is Love" and "Love Is Overdue." But it was the 1982 song "Night Nurse" which became an indelible club anthem that made him a true international superstar.
The New York Times dubbed him "the most exquisite vocalist in reggae."
No arguments here. Rest in peace.