Did Gregory Isaacs betray the Mighty Diamonds

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Transcript

00:00Reggae Gist Extra with Russ Dennis

00:02Gregory Isaacs faced increasing public scrutiny due to legal troubles related to cocaine use,

00:13sparking speculation that his song rumors reflected his personal struggles.

00:17However, Gussie Clark emphasizes Gregory had nothing to do with the writing,

00:22separating Isaacs' challenges from his artistry.

00:30In the song, Isaacs boldly addresses the unfounded gossip claiming he is involved in planting

00:35Sunsea, a Jamaican herb. He insists these rumors are untrue, presenting himself as a Don in the

00:42Jiglin, skilled at creating a lively atmosphere at parties. Despite being a respected figure in

00:49his community, known for uplifting local youth, authorities misjudge him based on his flashy

00:54appearance, assuming he is a criminal. Isaacs pleads with the officer not to judge him on looks,

01:00explaining that his success allows him to wear expensive clothes and drive a rental car.

01:05Even as rumors persist, he remains undeterred, committed to living life on his own terms,

01:11knowing that he may never fully escape the gossip. This is the powerful and untold story behind the

01:17song rumors, shared by Russ Dennis, highlighting the resilience of a true artist amid adversity.

01:24One memorable afternoon in 1988, Gussie Clark had just put the finishing touches on his music

01:38work studio at 56 Slype Road, Kingston, when the iconic singer Gregory, the cool ruler Isaacs,

01:45made a striking entrance on his motorcycle. Isaacs didn't come with a particular agenda.

01:50Their bond was so strong that, as Clark put it, we had an excellent relationship.

01:55We fought and quarreled, but we were like brothers. At that moment, Clark had been reflecting on Isaacs

02:01because a promising new song, written by Carlton Hines, was in the demo stage. Although it was

02:08initially meant for the Mighty Diamonds, with whom Clark was actively collaborating, it quickly became

02:13clear that the essence and lyrical depth of the song perfectly matched Isaacs' style.

02:17Titled rumors, the moment Isaacs heard it, he recognized its potential and enthusiastically

02:23agreed to record it, setting the stage for a remarkable musical journey. As Isaacs faced

02:29increasing public scrutiny due to his legal troubles related to cocaine use, speculation arose that the

02:35album rumors reflected a personal narrative. However, Clark firmly states, Gregory had nothing to do

02:41with the writing, emphasizing the separation between Isaacs' struggles and the artistic creation of the work.

02:47The rise of the digital era, sparked by the groundbreaking SlingTang three years earlier,

02:53was no coincidence. It represented a significant shift in music production.

02:58Unlike the accidental discovery of a preset on a Casio MT-40 keyboard that characterized SlingTang,

03:04Clark meticulously crafted the sound for music works, deliberately designing rumors to stand out

03:10from the competing rhythms of the day. This thoughtful approach resulted in a unique auditory experience

03:16that ultimately set the track apart and propelled it ahead of its rivals.

03:22In an insightful interview with the Sunday Gleaner, Clark shared his observations about the musical

03:27landscape in Jamaica, where most producers were relying on MCI brand equipment. Driven by his quest for

03:34excellence, he undertook extensive research and boldly invested in lesser-known brands like Otari,

03:39a Mechtag Matchless, EX Century 500, and Meyer HD1. Remarkably, he still owns much of this groundbreaking equipment today.

03:50At that time, we had the best equipment in Jamaica, Clark emphasized, underscoring his commitment to innovation

03:56and quality in music production. Incredible talent came together to create the unforgettable sound of rumors.

04:03Behind this iconic album were musicians such as Cleland Cleavy Brown, Danny Brown on bass guitar,

04:09and Robbie Lynn on keyboards, all expertly guided by the skilled recording engineer Courtney Mikey Small.

04:17Rumors not only captivated audiences in Jamaica, but also made waves in major markets for Jamaican

04:22popular music across North America and Britain. However, with great success comes the threat of creative

04:29parasitism. Clark reflects on that time, saying, people love to lick over rhythms.

04:36We saw an opportunity and decided to take the lead. We recorded approximately 10 artists on the rhythm

04:42and launched music works showcase 88. This bold move featured standout tracks such as Nuff Respect,

04:49Lady G, Telephone Love, JC Lodge, Heavy Load, Mighty Diamonds, and others.

05:06This spirit of innovation and collaboration solidified rumors as a monumental achievement in music history.

05:12Gregory Isaacs' enduring collaboration with Clark continued to flourish into the early 1990s,

05:23bringing together iconic talents such as Freddie MacGregor, Ninja Man, and JC Lodge.

05:29One of his standout moments came in 1993 when he joined forces with Barris Hammond for the unforgettable track

05:35One Good Turn, produced by the legendary Philip Fadis Burrell.

05:39Burrell also lent his expertise to Isaacs' 1994 album, Midnight Confidential, solidifying a creative

05:47partnership that shaped reggae music during that era. Throughout the 1990s, Isaacs was not only a

05:53prolific artist but also a supportive producer, with the African Museum label consistently releasing

05:59his music and works from artists under his wing. The year 1997 marked a significant crossover as

06:06simply red breathed new life into Isaacs' timeless classic Night Nurse. Even as the new millennium dawned,

06:13Isaacs remained vibrant, captivating audiences with his live performances and recordings.

06:19In 2005, ladies saw paid tribute to this reggae icon by reinterpreting Night Nurse and fusing it with

06:25her own energetic style. Despite facing the trials of drug addiction, which took a toll on his health and

06:32voice, Isaacs displayed remarkable resilience. In 2007, he candidly addressed his struggles, saying,

06:39drugs are a debasing weapon. It was the greatest college ever, but the most expensive school fee ever

06:45paid, the cocaine high school. I learned everything, and now I've put it on the side.

06:51This reflection highlighted both his journey and his determination to overcome adversity.

07:02In 2008, Isaacs made a triumphant return with the studio album Brand New Me,

07:07which earned a Grammy nomination in 2010. Critics praised the album, with reggae vibes declaring,

07:13Gregory is back, and how. Brand New Me is a fitting title, showcasing the cool ruler's evolution.

07:21He is returned with a fresh style that resonates with fans of this remarkable lovers and roots artist.

07:27Following this, he released My Kind of Lady in 2009, further establishing his legacy in reggae music.

07:34Gregory Isaacs' journey is one of perseverance, passion, and a profound love for music that

07:40continues to inspire new generations. In 2010, the legendary Gregory Isaacs blessed the world with his

07:47final album, Isaacs Meets Isaac, a collaboration with Zimbabwean reggae sensation King Isaac.

07:54This remarkable work earned a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 2011 Grammy Awards,

08:00showcasing Isaacs' incredible talent for the fourth time and marking King Isaac's first recognition at this

08:05prestigious level. Tragically, Isaacs succumbed to lung cancer on October 25th, 2010, at his home in

08:13Harrow Weald, London, leaving a profound void in the reggae community. A heartfelt memorial service took

08:20place on November 20th at Kingston's National Indoor Sports Center, followed by the burial of his remains at

08:26the Dovecott Memorial Park and Crematorium. That's it for this episode and thank you for watching.

08:32Don't forget to subscribe, give a thumbs up, and leave a positive comment in the section below,

08:37and I'll see you again very soon for another important video.

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