How Addiction Destroyed The Magnificent Gregory Isaacs

Gregory Isaacs was the complete artiste and set to dominate the reggae scene but his course was derailed by a crippling problem that finished off one of the most promising careers in music history

[@madhusudan]

To anyone who is struggling with addiction - the key for me was to keep struggling. The battle is only lost when you submit. I found my way clean and sober now for 6 months and life is without a doubt better. You can do it too.

[@h.Freeman]

One year 14 days free for me.

[@brentonthomas4895]

18 years now my advice have something you love more than any habit

[@abocas]

Why did you even start? To battle whatever? And then you end up with a worse battle, right?

[@h.Freeman]

@@abocas most opiate addicts start when doctors prescribe oxy to you for years...then suddenly stop without giving support for the dependency that occurs even with normal use. If you've never been through withdrawal you'll never understand the misery and pain it causes.

[@andygreatfield]

Indeed. Strong wisdom.

[@antoniotula262]

You will never mistake Gregory Isaac's voice for anyone else.

[@terrysookhoo2528]

Nt even his son voice is like d G.I

[@eljay7i]

sugar minott a little

[@everythingold-school.2512]

I'm battling addiction. It's not easy at all,three days now,I'm shaking,loosing appetite getting fierce headaches. I believe I'll pull through.

[@waynegordon3445]

May the creator be with you brother 🙏🏾

[@reeks5879]

You’ll get there. Stay strong ❤

[@everythingold-school.2512]

It's been weeks now. Almost all the major withdrawal symptoms are gone, still dealing with insomnia. I have also revived my programming skills. Can't compare the situation today and three weeks ago.

[@Cryptocenturion_1]

@@everythingold-school.2512 That’s great bro!! Keep pushin💪🏾✌🏽💚

[@bukkybakray670]

You are going to pull through. Whether you believe it or not because I believe it and God Will deliver.

[@tafimutekwe2855]

The image of the once dapper and handsome Gregory in the last years of his cocaine contaminated life was a sorry sight to behold. He had also horribly aged to twenty more years than his actual age. Drugs are satanic and the scourge of many top super stars. Rest in power Cool Ruler, we shall never ever forget you and the beautiful music you bequeathed to us.

[@PatriciaPageMosaicArtsCrafts]

Agree 100% I remember well, RIP Gregory ❤❤❤

[@lennoxlindsay7282]

This is a very accurate documentary. Congratulations to you. I met Gregory Isaacs in the town of Lyon in France in the 1980's. I was a musician, dj and radio host of a reggae program and very often presented singers on stage when they performed in Lyon. I distinctly remember seeing Gregory Isaacs sniffing coke as he waited behind the curtain before going on stage. I asked him how he wanted me to present him to the public but it's like he just ignored me. Drugs are really a demonic force that takes away the soul of a man and transforms him into something else. RIP cool ruler.

[@jafar4marva]

@Lennox Lindsay you have spoken the exact truth. For those battling addiction - to truly succeed first recognise your Lord, submit to His will, and give up your desires for His will. And know that giving up a thing disliked (a harm) for His sake is worth more than a thousand years of voluntary praise. Ask (pray) for this sincere determination that your desire will be transformed to dislike and and then disgust. Without that sincerity you will remain on the station of "recovering addict", always one day at a time, always one step from relapse.

[@ulalaFrugilega]

So true!

[@findingstyle]

this is not fully accurate.

[@vodamanaman]

I think he past away to soon but I also think he had a pure soul stayed treu to his heart even do he did drugs he sang openly about it in a few songs exactly how it works in other words to stay away from it or get clean❤love Mr isaaks

[@Mastermayham]

​@@findingstyle lol how🤔 u lick a pipe and they tell u ur dog died u tell them to cook it in a soup😢

[@stuckintha90s]

Gregory Isaacs was such a good man. I heard after he got his first foreign record deal he took care of so many people. He never left his homies behind

[@jayvoodovanquishdamagicman676]

I'm not ashamed to say that I went through it myself for 22yrs after losing my mom at 17 then my son died at 14yrs and it nearly destroyed me I'm still battling with bad health even though I have been clean for some years now if I could tell the kids it's not worth it you lose everything health wealth friends and happiness what's life without these qualities. ✌️

[@vodamanaman]

❤

[@laurenwashington4791]

Same here I got intoxicated from 16 until 32 I'm now 35... 2 years clean you have to want it not to please others

[@briet4320]

Love you ♥️♥️

[@jayvoodovanquishdamagicman676]

@@briet4320 thank you appreciate the❤️ best wishes for you and your family

[@jayvoodovanquishdamagicman676]

@@laurenwashington4791 thank you so much for the comments and I wish you nothing but happiness in the future from jay in the uk 🇬🇧😎✌️

[@prfu1222]

Night Nurse was a super popular song when I lived in Hawaii. And Gregory was due to perform in 92. He was turned away at the airport because of his reputation for drug use.

[@gutchiespencer2714]

Gregory Isaacs and Dennis Brown were two of Jamaica's powerhouses when it came to making beautiful music, angelic voices that will make you love Jah and man, brought tears to your eyes, but they were only human with gifts that created conditions that were difficult to control and they lost the battle....Gone but NEVER forgotten.....ONE LOVE!💥💥

[@vurra]

Yeah they had some beautiful voice sad that they wasted their gifts

[@karahoyte4381]

Weed's godmother periodic 11th ❤mummy 3 day's school

[@Jackgritty28]

Isn't music a drug,it was a strange unique voice,maybe not my favourite🎶

[@frankcrozier1318]

Sorry they made crucial fatal mistakes I am sure both of them knew that shit was no good for them extremely sad both of them had. so much more left in them RIP both of you.

[@Stefan_Johansson]

I was on tour in Scandinavia with Gregory , he had problems , but he also knew about his problems , so its realy sad , that no one could help him quit his drugs 😢

[@juliocorrea2552]

I’m lucky I got to see Gregory Issacs perform live at SOBs in NYC. May he rest easy.

[@cinnamonspice4389]

Everything he made is classics, especially Night Nurse, one of my favorite 😍 RIP

[@jaycostewart8]

It's a damn shame... The cool ruler. Gregory. No mater how his personal life was, we cannot deny the fact that this man sings some good classic legendary riddems.. Rest in power Gregory Issac.🕊️

[@spuddog68]

Well said sir your 100% right. It's heartbreaking to know Gregory end up that way. In some ways I wish I hadn't seen this documentary. Drugs or not Rest Easy Cool Ruler you were a Lion.

[@havaianuu]

At the Reggae Sunsplash in MoBay in which Gregory was a staple, I was there in 83,84,85,86 and 87, Gregory and Yellowman were the most welcomed performers, the crowd would go wild, most especially the ladies. We all should be grateful for having Gregory as part of our lives. May he rest in peace

[@WOWTODAZ]

Gil scott heron was there too also addicted to cocaine

[@brianstansfield4367]

His records with Sly and Robbie are some of his best

[@robertbuchanan9234]

From the moment I took out a Gregory album from Ibrox public library in Glasgow, Scotland, in the late 70's I was hooked. Looking through my albums/cd's I notice I have more Gregory releases than any other artist. Last time I saw him perform was at summerstage in N.Y.C. He was barely coherent. Barrington stepped in to try and salvage the show. It was heart breaking.

[@emiledaley3]

Rest well legend,a man is just a man fans love you same way.... Unfortunately many of our favorite artiste have taken this path for whatever reason,sad but true 🙏🏿💯🎼

[@murcianity]

Sad.. What a legendary artist,singer songwriter..A strong man he was. His music will live forever.

[@shaunm3206]

I cant remember the year but I saw him walking along Golborne Road off Ladbroke Grove one day. Full three piece white suit and white hat tipped just so. Someone shouted at him Yo Cool Ruler! He turned raised his hat smiled, everyone smiled and waved back and he turned and casually carried on with his walk. Coolness personified.

[@MisterElement]

AMAZING STORY!! THNX!!

[@sunnyray708]

Everywhere I have heard he was a gentleman and one of the kindest and most generous people. He was used by those around him and darkness. The record company's control them by substance so they can steal from them.. What an absolute natural talent. He gave us so much. SALUTE❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MediaTruth_]

God gave Gregory "Kool Ruler" Isaacs all (Beautiful voice, handsome, multi-talented, tall and a nice head of hair) that the average man would trade with the devil for; however, it was his overseas friends and management team that introduced him to that "night nurse", Sir Isaacs missed many Air Jamaica flights to and from his shows. He came through the airports looking like he was a homeless man and his clothes were always falling off him...I use to teared (water in my eyes) up when he was in the arrivals and departure lounge....my thoughts, "how did he get to this in life, why can't his family and friends help him?", was repeated many times in my head....remember the MIND is the MOST powerful thing a human being has to protect with his life....if you failed to protect your mind from the evils of this world, then you are just as dead as a man in a coma (hopeless).

[@OGxCSH]

R.I.P Cool Ruler...you are missed. Thank you for this video R.A.S,Gregory is my favorite by far!!!! Addiction is an evil disease...we lose so many gifted artist to this Devil's sickness. I've been sober myself for 23+ years now and I thank the Most High for every day I get. Please keep the great content coming

[@ReggaeAppreciationSociety]

Blessings 🙌

[@rickyavila673]

Gregory Isaacs RIDE AGAIN, ONE OF THE ORIGINAL ROOTS REGGAE MUSIC MAKER

[@BillBiggs1]

Not a big fan of reggae but made an exception with this guy and bought his cool ruler album with my fave reggae song, one more time

[@christinesealy463]

Love Gregory...no matter what he had a good heart met him in St.Lucia

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

i forgot that he passed away. he made wonderful records and i wish he was alive and keeping his wife, june company for years to come. if you're going to explain the cool ruler's life, you have to focus on drug use (momentarily). obviously he had continued international success (he was gregory isaacs). i don't sense that you wanted his story to play out as it did, that you're gleeful telling it. thanks for problematic news i did and didn't want to know.

[@marcyfan-tz4wj]

reggae appreciation society- i wrote (more or less) "you did a good job with documentary although it was hard hearing he suffered so much" and you have hearts for everyone but me and 1 other person. why? i wasn't knocking you or gregory isaacs!

[@Demebeso714]

Heartbreaking story..so much talent...will never get over Night Nurse...played it for my mother when it just came out..she loved it..the entire world did...just so heartbreaking...

[@Nkosi766]

The cool ruler. Addiction is a real illness. Rest well great ancestors. You’re only human, despite life’s obstacles, you were/are great. One love

[@RogerDuly]

I saw him tear it down at the Elite Ark in Brooklyn. He was well past his prime, but he tore it down that night! What a voice and performer for the ages.

[@Savage.reggae]

One of the greatest of all times. Rest in perfect peace Mr Isaacs...

[@reginaldalimmuhammad5312]

He sings the most beautiful songs that I have ever heard... Doesn't matter the music genre. I still listen to his music. 😊

[@cinema4elephants613]

You should listen too aeka beka,dennis brown,bunny wailer

[@reginaldalimmuhammad5312]

I do love all reggae music. Burning Spear Steele Pulse Black Uhuru

[@issavibez394]

Akae beka yes i know him he from virgin island​@@cinema4elephants613

[@wadesmith666]

I saw him play at Cystal Palace football club at Reggae Sunsplash, it was hammered with hells angels smoking dubbige chillin- All tribes welcome (Jah Shaka quote)Gregory radiated cool

[@troygaspard6732]

He is one of my favorite singers.

[@whyyoulidl]

Lord 'a mercy...

[@bornkinguniversal]

What an amazing voice! Night Nurse is my favorite song and I was told that the song was about drugs a long time ago. I couldn’t believe it at the time because all along I was thinking he was singing about a woman. May he be Remembered In Perfection ❤️

[@xJanay]

I thought he was talking about a woman aswell

[@bornkinguniversal]

@@xJanay go back and listen to it after watching this video 💯

[@andreemichaels6476]

I always believed he was singing about a woman. Now you have said what the song is really about, it seems ironic that it is used on an advert on UK television for a cough relief medicine of the same name as the song and its known for some addicts to use the medicine when they can't get a fix.

[@smozelle82]

My two absolute favorites - RIP Gregory and Dennis many thanks 🙏🏾

[@shanetreacy5996]

RIGHT ON MAN ! Gregory was the king of lover's rock.

[@trevorjennings]

Hello Shane, how are you doing today, hope you’re fine and safe from the COVID-19 virus??

[@dmetalii]

We love you Gregory. May you rest in peace.

[@uzoejekwumadu7731]

He was a legend. Say no to drugs

[@marlastanding-owl7739]

sooo glad i saw him live once in a very small club ❤❤❤❤❤

[@hennyverheij5969]

I saw him once live at Rotterdam, many years ago. His show was great, but actually very short. He's still be missed and bless him 🖤💚💛❤🙏

[@theresasmith2898]

Birthday remembrance July 15th 2023🙏never forgotten ⚘️

[@steveirungu3132]

It's a lesson learnt I will never take shortcuts in life so help me God in Jesus Christ name Amen 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 by Steve Irungu Jermaine

[@markJohnson-ot7ny]

The truth hurts ! One compare him to Billy Holiday of Raggae such a great entainer, but drugs took him over and I tried to see him over and over in the 90's but like the host of this documentary said by that time drugs took me away and he never show up for his shows. Thank God for KZbin and showing his concerts in the 70's and especially the early 80's . In fact one of the best live performances in Roots Ragge was the performance that him and his band gave in 1984 in London at the Brixtion. Finally, in my humble opinion he his in the top three greatest Reggae Roots performer of all times , right behind Bob, Spear and then there was Issac . F.Y.I. Thanks to the creators showing the dark side of the entrainment industry that often never told. M

[@brianspivey9254]

Gregory is still one of my favorite Reggae artist. Drugs have destroyed many music artist throughout the years. Hopefully others will see his and Dennis Brown's tragic stories and stay away from drugs. The movie Rockers which he was in is a classic!!!

[@patricksmith3432]

Saw him in England at his finest the dance was cark It was a road block cars parked 2 abreast on roadside Hummingbird Birmingham what a show

[@thomasbridgeman5817]

I became a fan the first time i heard Sr Gregory...He and Dennis Brown rul ed reggae from 70's until they passed on

[@anaparis2540]

Gregory Isaac was a good leader😢❤

[@theresasmith2898]

💯♥️⚘️ was still a wonderful man. fascinating to watch and absolutely pleasure to hear . Drugs are now a if only in the life of Gregory isaacs. Hope the lesson he learnt enforce his message of dont do drugs 🙏 R.I.P X

[@bonniedrasco8166]

A lesson to be learned and acknowledged too 🙏🏽

[@ReggaeAppreciationSociety]

Yes I

[@terwillagermcghee4148]

I totally thought he was pushing 70 when i saw him last. Hit every note and beat perfectly, on n off stage constantly. We loved what he did, didnt judge him for the addiction. Muchluv Gregory, rest in paradise

[@pattskatoey3139]

RIP cool ruler. Being famous doesn’t always solve your problems it can actually create additional ones.

[@SuperMcgenius]

I was a Montreal promoter in the mid 80’s, booked Gregory, he showed up 7 hours late at midnight, the opening band played for many hours to keep the crowd from rioting, he was stoned out of this fucking mind with some white witch woman. The contract was that he was to play one hour and 15 minutes minimum, he collapsed after 42 minutes. After that when I said they had not fulfilled the contract I had two very large men with a gun to my head, demanding money, I was 24 years old, and had no back up so I paid them. Now, on a positive note, I also booked Burning Spear who showed up on time played a beautiful set we’re so wonderful to work with.❤️

[@ReggaeAppreciationSociety]

Wow thanks for sharing this epic flashback ✌️

[@timothyjames3131]

Definitely my favorite reggae artist of all time. R.I.P...

[@thembadube9589]

"Soon forward" is the first song of Gregory Isaacs that I heard. The beauty of the ma's voice got me hooked to his music. "Street walker" is one of my favourite songs of all time, just like Jimmy Cliff's "Harder they come".

[@ehiggins360]

Streetwalker is one of my favorite songs of all time, any genre.

[@najwatimuran7346]

5

[@johntmusic543]

gregory is well loved here in new zealand

[@MichaelSmith-xb5cp]

Saw him in 97', he was still fantasic live. Frank Sinatra of Jamaica. Very charismatic old school stage presence.

[@MichaelSmith-xb5cp]

Plus I should add, if what I saw was only a shadow of what he used to be, the drug usage makes a lot more sense. Not in the way you may think though. I could see promotion in the UK and USA wanting to commoditize him in the same way Dennis Brown was in the UK. promotion is always more interested in crooners. This means a lot more pressure to fulfill expectations, which can lead to drink in order to cope. The drugs weren't given with intention to make an artist a junkie, they're given to counteract the depressant effects of drink. The problem is frequent snorting will quickly affect the nasal passages, which can lead to smoking or intravenous. A slippery slope. I've see nothing instantly sober up completely plastered drunk quite like a bump.. I suspect this may have been part of the problem. It was a different era, drinking was a lot more prevalent across all segments of society, to the point it would shock some people if there were a time machine and they could go back.

[@torelly]

Seeing him on the stage here in Rio was one of the greatest moments of my life. I will never forget it.

[@andregabrielbadji1373]

May his soul rest in peace we was a great singer

[@T.H.G.761]

Sold. You had me at the reggae James bond😂

[@DavidKnapp-pp8hr]

I saw him around. 2008 in Portland or …. Probably one of the best reggae performances I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen many great ones….

[@DavidKnapp-pp8hr]

2006 I think it was

[@kamkam4571]

Truly a legend. Amazing talent.

[@darrink3563]

Can you imagine his legacy potential had he never got hooked on drugs? I mean he's already on the Mt. Rushmore of Reggae Legends as it stands. So glad I saw him 1 last time about a year or so before he passed in Oakland, CA at the legendary FOX theater for the Raggamuffins Concert. There were hundreds of suburban teenage girls a 1/3 of his age and High AF begging him to sing "Night Nurse." So iconic. Will never forget that.

[@penrythajanitor4644]

Big up the Cool Ruler Voice of an angel Every man has a weakness/vice, we're all human Rest In Power big man

[@HigherThanYou]

This is problematic. There was no mention of Isaacs drug free society and his getting clean in 2004. It also skips over many of Gregory's trump's from 1983-2010. The focus on the drugs isn't balanced with Isaacs continued international success despite his addiction. Jah bless the Cool Ruler. A big hearted man with many talents

[@Gray-zi5bp]

Totally agree with you. 💯🇬🇧👍

[@MrAlistar99]

He was still killing it live up until his death!!! Respect all versions of Jamaicas Number 1 Don!!!!

[@kayvancooten4657]

​@@MrAlistar99 Nahh, he definitely wasn't. Sorry to say, it was embarrassing. His lung capacity was low and so was his energy.

[@MrAlistar99]

@@kayvancooten4657 he gave a good half hour-40 minutes. Tbh usually with Gregory people just glad that he turned up!!!

[@dellboy5588]

So pagans stay probably get paid by white people to destroy the man character, know Gregory personally was a very decent man, a decent human beings, full of love and energy.

[@LexBundy]

Night Nurse is an amazing album

[@gubilasco9022]

Lovers rock originated in the UK by the windrush generation's children.

[@Drew-kq3kh]

Respect 🇯🇲 Family #JamaicaToDiWorld🌎

[@willieluncheonette5843]

my favorite JA singer. Was lucky enough to see him live in Central Park here in NYC with John Holt and Barrington Levy also. I had all his albums up to Red Rose For Gregory and remember noting that his voice had changed in one LP along the way.

[@barbaralewis7916]

I will always Love you Gregory. What a soothing voice you left behind❤.

[@MrButamu]

Cool down the pace - my favorite. RIP.

[@bigbird2451]

Thank you Sir! Gregory is my favorite reggae artist. I've got at least three inches of records and many CDs. I got to see him live in a very small room in Santa Cruz.

[@gregoryisaacs100]

Big Gregory lsaacs , mesmo com todos seus erros, marcou seu nome na história da música jamaicana, one true legend.

[@maggieedwards3951]

He is my no 1 and I have watched no artist perform more than Gregory Issacs the ' cool Ruler' he is so missed my wonderful beloved artist.

[@garymcintosh3957]

His best friend, Dennis Brown DID NOT own up to his Drug Use. Two great singers.

[@robjean537]

i'm addicted to this mans music

[@WW-tg5pu]

A phenomenal artist and excellent video! Thank you.

[@gods959]

I've got nothing but love for Gregory Isaac ( Night Nurse ) I personally bought at least 25 CDs 🔥🔥🔥🔥👍

[@dionnedeniseeveryday]

Gregory is still 1 of my first loves ❤

[@tuitasi700]

Sad but will always be in my playlist💯 #RIP #GregoryIsaacs

[@lusimyer]

I loved Gregory...its such a shame he decided to dabble in Coke. If he hadnt he may have lived a longer life. Miss him. RIP Gregory ❤🙏⚘

[@trevortrevatrevortreva1520]

Jah heavenly blessings thank you for the music and the legacy you left this world.

[@brigidgilhooly3492]

He was magnificent ❤😊

[@peterbanhan2432]

As a child, I saw him sitting in the rain in negril, and he sat in one place until the sun came out and dried him off. It was actually sad and it was my first experience seeing an addict.

[@ReggaeAppreciationSociety]

😥

[@garymcintosh3957]

Such a shame, one of my Favorite REGGAE singers...😔😔😔

[@dominicgeorge7299]

I'm from a small little island where I had an experience with Gregory Isaacs in flesh, I can personally say, that if it wasn't for crack cocaine we would not have hit songs like night nurse, Wich is a song he sang inspired by his addiction to crack cocaine

[@coolruler6820]

Kufa ni lazima, na kuishi ni majaliwa,,,wako waliofia tumboni mwa mama zao kabla kuzaliwa, wako waliokufa tu pindi wamezaliwa, wako waliokufa kwa shida na kwa raha, kwa heri au kwa shari...kusudi la Mungu ni tuishi milele, ila dhambi ikiishakumomaa huzaa mauti,,,wote tu wadhambi na ndiyo maana kila nafsi itaonja mauti. Gregory pamoja na kufa kwake, Jah alimbariki kipaji cha aina yake katika kuimba,,,ni mmoja ya waimbaji bora kabisa kuwahi kutokea duniani,,,,Jah amlaze pema peponi mwamba huyu.

[@SCMcDonLon]

95% of giving up drugs is changing your friends. They will almost always be the reason you go back.

[@issavibez394]

Yes bad energy most friends that take it are not their self anymore

[@evrilcaesar-mason1325]

DEEP TRUTH!

[@ancientart1827]

Saw the cool ruler in the late 90’s in Boston. Met him briefly and you could tell he was a man haunted. However he performed and still sounded great at that time. One of the greatest reggae voices of all time.

[@lars-fenin]

coke is all around the music buisiness, not only in reggae. touring and the lack of sleep plus after partys and the pressure of success take a strong personality and good friends around you to deal with that. sad, that him an dennis brown weren t able to overcome their addiction. his last shows he really just was a shadow of himself.

[@veroniquendambo3242]

Oh Gosh, I still remember one of his songs, Night nurse, during that listening and comprehension English lesson somewhere in Central London back then in April 1986! Old days, good and happy old days! RiP GI.

[@keithlivermon5504]

Gone way to soon as many of our greatest artists due to the demonic presence of drug addiction ,, where it never fails to completely destroy. R. I . P . Cool Ruler ✊🏾

[@royanwebster5610]

Great artist and his music lives on.

[@adamweisshaup]

I grew up listening to this guy. My mother would play all his stuff on repeat lol

[@warwickdennis4114]

I decided I didn’t want to go through life on drugs, I had to face the fact that I had a problem.

[@Beinspiredmusic]

Gregory's music was played in all my family house's when I was growing up what a legend RIP cool ruler 🫶🏼

[@RasKitchen]

Thanks for making this video, great work 🙌

[@jamesdavies5266]

another wonderful video...thankyiou very much..beautiful!! great job X

[@oladman9058]

The man standing to the left of Gregory Isaac is Richard Adaranijo, my father.

[@c10_c10]

Glad to have found your channel! As a Reggae & Lover’s Rock enthusiast, your channel is a true treasure! Respect and Love!

[@ReggaeAppreciationSociety]

Blessings ✌️ Thanks for the support

[@christine1962ful]

This video was tastefully done. I really respect that!