Mourners view Cool Ruler’s body
The atmosphere inside the National Indoors Sports Centre yesterday was one blanketed by grief as scores of mourners turned to view the body of Reggae crooner Gregory Isaacs.
The casket, guarded by members of the Jamaica Association of Vintage Artiste and Affiliates (JAVAA), bore dozens of red roses. Culture Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, led the official party which also included Isaacs’ family and members of the Reggae fraternity.
Daughter of the late reggae icon Morieka Isaacs described her father as someone who was well loved by everyone. “My father was not only loved by his fans but by everyone who knew him. He was very industrious as it relates to caring for his family and delivering the music that everyone enjoyed and loved.”
Outside, persons still dampened with grief, danced and sang along to the music of the late artiste dubbed The Cool Ruler which played in the background.
The late reggae veteran dubbed as one of the most popular and versatile reggae singers of the 70s and 80s has released a number of hits including Night Nurse, Tune In, My Number One, Love Overdue, Rumours, Red Rose for Gregory and The Border.
The official funeral service for Gregory will be held at the same venue today, and will feature musical tributes from a number of Reggae acts.