New biography chronicles life and legacy of reggae great Gregory Isaacs

Peter Price was joined by a circle of Gregory Isaacs enthusiasts on April 13 at Triple T restaurant in St Andrew, where he formally introduced his new biography of the late reggae singer. Price says his central goal with the work is to connect with younger audiences who may know little about the Grammy-nominated artiste.

Titled 'The Cool Ruler: The Incredible Life Story of Gregory Isaacs', the 388-page volume is Price's first book and carries the endorsement of the Gregory Isaacs Foundation, which was set up and is run by the singer's widow, June Isaacs.

"I aim to reach both traditional lovers and admirers of reggae music, and in particular lovers rock as espoused by Gregory Isaacs. Also, for the younger persons, so that they can get to know more about Gregory Isaacs, his numerous songs and great songwriting and singing talents," Price told Observer Online.

Price, a graduate of Mico Teachers College in Kingston, teaches English Language and Literature at Kingston College. The Bamboo, St Ann native spent two years putting the manuscript together, and the biography had its official debut last May in the United Kingdom.

"I feel elated and fulfilled; for the simple fact that it was a dream in the making for many years and now it has become a relevant reality. My research into this literary project was extensive, but quite enjoyable," he said.

A year ago, Price travelled with a contingent to the UK for the six-show staging of 'The Cool Ruler: The Musical', a theatrical production in which Terrence Wallen portrayed Isaacs. The reggae icon died in London in October 2010 at the age of 60.

Mirroring the stage show, the biography traces Isaacs' high points, among them signature hits such as 'Night Nurse' and 'Soon Forward', while also documenting the singer's prolonged struggle with cocaine.

June Isaacs, who was present at the Triple T launch, said the book honours her husband's memory. "It's incredibly important that Gregory's life is documented. Legacy matters, if we don't tell our own stories, someone else will, or worse, they get forgotten. This book is a truthful account of his life: the victories, the struggles, and the lessons that shaped him," she told the Observer.