Peter Price launches Gregory Isaacs biography for lovers of the reggae icon
At the April 13 launch of his Gregory Isaacs biography at Triple T restaurant in St Andrew, Peter Price was surrounded by admirers of the acclaimed singer. His objective for the book is to reach as many young fans as possible.
The Cool Ruler: The Incredible Life Story of Gregory Isaacs is the title of Price’s 388-page debut. It is endorsed by the Gregory Isaacs Foundation, an organisation established and operated by June Isaacs, the Grammy-nominated artiste’s wife.
“I aim to reach both traditional lovers and admirers of reggae music, and in particular lovers rock as espoused by Gregory Isaacs. Also, for the younger persons, so that they can get to know more about Gregory Isaacs, his numerous songs and great songwriting and singing talents,” Price told Observer Online.
A graduate of Mico Teachers College in Kingston, Price teaches English Language and Literature at Kingston College. It took the Bamboo, St Ann native two years to complete The Incredible Life Story of Gregory Isaacs which was officially launched last May in the United Kingdom.
“I feel elated and fulfilled; for the simple fact that it was a dream in the making for many years and now it has become a relevant reality. My research into this literary project was extensive, but quite enjoyable,” he said.
One year ago, Price was part of a group that traveled to the UK for the six-show run of The Cool Ruler: The Musical, a stage production starring Terrence Wallen as Isaacs, who died in London in October 2010 at age 60.
Like that show, The Incredible Life Story of Gregory Isaacs covers the singer’s triumphs, which includes numerous hit songs like Night Nurse and Soon Forward. It also documents his long battle with cocaine.
June Isaacs, who attended the Triple T event, says Price’s book does her husband justice.
“It’s incredibly important that Gregory’s life is documented. Legacy matters, if we don’t tell our own stories, someone else will, or worse, they get forgotten. This book is a truthful account of his life: the victories, the struggles, and the lessons that shaped him,” she told the Observer.
