He is one of Jamaica's greatest songwriters and well-loved singers and his

global fans and great admirers just can't get enough of his love ballads and

'cultural-roots' songs. But even while he was pleasing his worldwide fans

immensely, Gregory Anthony Isaacs ('The Cool Ruler' ) was displeasing

himself dangerously.

Isaacs' foray into the world of hard drugs was an acid test for him and he ended

up with a failing grade on this destructive indulgence. His drug addiction and all

its 'cruel consequences' were a sad and painful journey throughout his life and

that of many loved ones.

'The Cool Ruler' also received some near death experiences when he was badly

beaten by some members of the Jamaican Constabulary Force (JCF) on several

occasions. His widow June also suffered the same fate while she was in the

company of her late husband.

Being kidnapped by a Brazilian drug cartel was also the eye-opening experience

of Gregory Isaacs, his wife June and his entire musical entourage when they

went to this South American country to perform. And, serious allegations and

accusations of bigamy being banded about, when he was on the last leg of his

lifelong journey, definitely did not help any situation whatsoever on the part of

the Isaacs.

In spite of these serious setbacks, Isaacs' exceptional writing skill, unique

singing style, witty expressions and his resilience to weather any storm and

bounce back from virtually any difficulties; shattered these seemingly

impenetrable barriers and persistent obstacles, which effectively