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The body of the late Reggae legend Gregory Isaacs was yesterday flown home to Jamaica.
A memorial service for the Cool Ruler was held on Wednesday at the All Saints Church, in Uxbridge Road, Harrow Weald England. The Church was packed to the rafters as well-wishers came to celebrate the life of Mr Isaacs following his death at his Harrow home last month – after a long battle with lung cancer.
The coffin of the Jamaican born star, famed for his dress sense, was draped with a red, gold and green flag with the Lion of Judah on it, and his notorious white fedora hat – worn by him up to his death.
As it was carried in to the church The Gregory Isaacs All Star Band played some of his most memorable hits before members of the band and friends got up to pay tribute to one of Jamaica’s most celebrated musicians.
His keyboard player Clifton ‘Bigga’ Morrison talked about Isaacs last appearance on stage, at the Big Chill Festival in Hertfordshire in August this year, and described him as a loyal, music genius, who was also a great comedian.
“For me he was one of my heroes. His music was the backdrop to our lives. Great music that will stand the test of time. He never stopped working and you would be very hard pushed to find a more loyal friend and artist. He was a great man that will be greatly missed, but he knew we all loved him.”
The memorial service was attended by music stars such as singers J.C Lodge, Winston Francis, Janet Kay and Carol Thompson as well as Jamaican film star Audrey Reid and the Jamaican High Commissioner for the UK Anthony Johnson.
Meanwhile, the official funeral service for the Cool Ruler will be held in Jamaica at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday, November 20, starting at 10:00 am.
The theme for the funeral is “Red Rose for Gregory” and persons attending the service are being asked to take along a red rose and to wear black or white, or a combination, and to be seated by 9.30am.
