Gregory Isaacs‘ most popular song “Night Nurse“, released in 1982 by Island Records, is now certified Silver for selling 200,000 copies in the U.K. by the British Phonographic industry (BPI).
The song written by Isaacs and Sylvester Weise was also produced by Isaacs and base player Errol Holt.
The cover version of “Night Nurse” recorded by Sly and Robbie featuring Simply Red peaked at No. 13 on the U.K. singles chart and became a popular turntable hit.
This is the Cool Ruler’s first U.K. single certification and his second overall since the 8 track album of the same name was certified Silver on September 24, 2021 for selling more than 60,000 copies in that country
The album peaked at number 32 on the U.K Albums Chart.
The song Night Nurse has subsequently been used in GlaxoSmithKline cold and flu remedy advertisement in the UK. The song also reached No. 44 in New Zealand and No. 84 in Germany.
As a teenager, Isaacs, real name Gregory Anthony Isaacs became well-known for his participation in talent contests held in Jamaica. In 1968, he released his debut single “Another Heartache” as Winston Sinclair, produced by Byron Lee. The single did not chart, but Isaacs went on to create the African Museum record label and shop with Errol Dunkley. Their first hit was “My Only Lover”.
Between 1974 and 2010, Gregory reportedly released 500 albums (including compilations) in Jamaica, the United Kingdom, and the United States, due in part to his need to finance his drug habit. Despite efforts from his wife June Wyndham and mother to get him clean, the “Cool Ruler“ famously said in a 2007 interview with the Telegraph that cocaine was, “the greatest college I’ve ever been, but the most expensive school fee I’ve ever paid.”
The couple separated because of the toll his addiction had on their marriage, and Isaacs later relocated to London where he died of lung cancer in October 2010 at the age of 60. Since 2017, June has held an annual concert in his honour, Red Rose for Gregory, to benefit the Patricia House drug rehabilitation center in Kingston.
Isaacs passed away from lung cancer on 25 October 2010 in Harrow Weald, London. A memorial service was held on 20 November at Kingston’s National Indoor Sports Centre, featuring performances by Lloyd Parks and We the People Band, Ken Boothe, Freddie McGregor, Shaggy, Judy Mowatt, Mavado, the Tamlins and Bongo Herman afte whic his remains wer laid to rest at the Dovecot Cemetery.
