A FAIR-SIZED gathering of family, music insiders and fans gathered at the corner of Orange and Charles streets in downtown Kingston Wednesday afternoon for Gregory Isaacs’ 65th birthday celebration.

They waited patiently for one hour at a corridor that was once the seat of Jamaican music. The event marked the official launch of Cool Ruler Spring Water with the tag, ‘Only u alone can quench dis ya thirst!’, a line from Isaacs’ massive hit, Night Nurse.

Isaacs, who operated his African Museum record store in the area for several years, died in October 2010 from cancer.

A mural of Isaacs, done by singer Junior Moore of The Tamlins, was also unveiled by close friends Trevor ‘Leggo’ Douglas and Tommy Cowan.

“In the entertainment business, a lot of people don’t know this side of me. It’s a joy for me to do this because Gregory is a man who I know for many years and it’s a joy to know that I as an entertainer doing this for a fellow entertainer. Most people don’t know that a di Tamlins and Gregory did Border, the big hit for producer GG (Alvin Ranglin). And also we did harmony on a lot of his other big tunes,” Moore told Splash.

“I am happy, very happy that I am able to do this and everyone is pleased with what I am doing. It’s a joy in my heart and I know that Gregory is happy with what I am doing,” said Isaacs’ widow, June.

She promised that in three months, Cool Ruler Spring Water will be available islandwide.

Yvonne Chung Oliver, executive director of the Gregory Isaacs Foundation, told the gathering that the idea for Cool Ruler Spring Water came about a couple of years ago.

“Last year, we tested the water and it got overwhelming support and now the idea is a reality,” she said.

Doctor Dennis Howard noted the historical significance of the area in which the celebration was held.

“Welcome to Beat Street. This is where the music developed. This is where the music in terms of the business when it comes to selling of records, threading…this is where it happened.”

Speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Kingston, Angela Brown-Burke, councillor Patrick Roberts said the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation is committed to preserving Isaacs’ legacy.

In attendance was 91-year-old Asenath Lewis, mother of Lynford Lewis who in 1974 founded the Black Harmony Basic School in Spanish Town. The school is among the beneficiaries of the Gregory Isaacs Foundation.