Singer Hezron, who is scheduled to perform on the Red Rose For Gregory show on Mother’s Day, says reggae is still searching for artistes like Gregory Isaacs, in whose memory that event is held.

Hezron told the Jamaica Observer that Isaacs, who died in October 2010 at age 59, is one of his biggest influences.

“I think the reggae scene needs more unique artistes like Gregory, in the sense of having their own identity and style, instead of imitating and plagiarising. I think his uniqueness comes from a number of things, but specifically his smooth, laid-back vocal delivery. Yet, amazingly still able to find the reggae cotch, as we would say,” Hezron explained.

He pointed to Love is Overdue, Number One, Not The Way, Stranger in Town and Top Ten as some of his favourite songs by the Cool Ruler.

Released in 1974, Love is Overdue featured the crooner’s style that became Isaacs’ signature. That delivery helped make many of his songs such as All I Have is Love, Tune In, Soon Forward and Night Nurse massive hits.

Hezron said he “is humbled by the invitation to participate” at Red Rose For Gregory, which takes place at Hope Gardens and also features The Manhattans, Etana, J C Lodge, and Deniece Williams.

The St James-born artiste (given name Hezron Clarke) points to Isaacs’ songwriting prowess as another trait he admires.

A competent guitarist, he composes most of his songs, including the latest, Smile Today.

That track is the fourth single from Hezron’s album, MOAM (Man On A Mission) which was released last year by Tad’s International Records.

Hezron began his recording career as an R&B singer during the 1990s. His first album, The Life I Live(d) was released in 2014.