- - -
Gregory Isaacs (born on 15 July 1951 in Fletchers Land, Kingston, Jamaica and died on 25 October 2010 in London) was a Reggae singer and songwriter. Gregory Anthony Isaacs is known as "The Cool Ruler" for his seductive crooning vocal style. Gregory attributed his greatest musical influences to R&B greats Sam Cooke and Percy Sledge, in addition to Delroy Wilson, Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe.
In the late 1960s, Gregory first performed in a vocal trio called The Concords, after being encouraged by Byron Lee. By 1970 the group had split up. He subsequently formed his own label, African Museum.
In the late 1970s he emerged as one of the most prolific and popular recording artists in Jamaica. He released a number of self-produced singles on his own African Museum (JA) label with Errol Dunkley. Much of Isaacs' output reflected the 'conscious' themes of Roots Reggae, but Isaacs was equally adept at interpreting more mainstream Lovers Rock material. Early hits include "My Only Lover", "Sinner Man" and "Mr. Cop", recorded at Lee Perry's Black Ark Studio.
A period in the 1970s with the GG's label and its producer Alvin Ranglin produced hits like "Border" and "Number One".
Personal problems affected him, particularly battles with a cocaine addiction and a possession charge, which prevented him from touring in North America for a significant part of his career, until a pardon could eventually be secured.
Isaacs recorded with a number of producers, including the Riddim Twin's (Sly & Robbie) Taxi Records, who gave them their first hit with 1979's "Soon Forward" , After a series of releases with Sly & Robbie, Gregory built a strong relationship with Gussie Clarke of the Music Works label. In addition to these local Jamaican labels, The Cool Ruler had had releases on Trojan, VP, Virgin's Front Line and English producer Tad A. Dawkin's Tad's Records. Isaacs would would eventually sign with Chris Blackwell's Island Records which resulted in the international release of Night Nurse (1982) and Out Deh! (1983).
Perhaps his most popular recordings in his native Jamaica are "All I Have Is Love", "Mr. Brown" and "Hard Drugs", the latter being an anti-drug anthem that dominated radio in the late 1980s and was released as a hidden track on England's Tad Records All I Have Is Love, Love Love LP.
In the 1990s Gregory's African Museum label continued to release all of Gregory Isaacs' music, and that of artists he produced. He continued to record and perform live in the 2000s, and it has been estimated that Isaacs has released over 500 records in his career, which includes singles and compilations.
Isaacs, who was 59 years old, died of lung cancer on 25 October 2010 at his home in London where he spent part of his time. A sad loss to the world.
Hush Darlin
Gregory Isaacs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bright and early cause the heat is on
And I know that you are ready
Let us lay it on
Now that we are moving in the groove
And mi seh, hush darling
Even if it hurts to cry
Hush darling
'Cause I'm a gonna tell you why
'Cause after a storm
There must be a calm
And I will keep you warm
Darling, um, darling
We gonna lay it on
Bright and early cause the heat is on
And I know that you are ready
Let us lay it on
Now that we are groovin' in the groove
Hush darling, even if it hurts to cry
Hush darling
'Cause I'm a gonna tell you why
'Cause after a storm
There must be a calm
And I will keep you warm
Hush darling
Wait a little longer
Hush darling
'Cause love is getting stronger
'Cause after a storm
There must be a calm
And I will keep you warm
The song "Hush Darling" by Gregory Isaacs is a love ballad that speaks of comforting and reassuring one's partner through tough times. The chorus repeats the line "Hush darling, even if it hurts to cry" which establishes the theme of being supportive to the one you love even during difficult times. The verse talks about laying the love on early because the heat is on, meaning that the relationship is undergoing difficult times, and both partners are ready to put in the effort. The bridge reassures the listener that after every storm, there is a calm, and that the singer's love will be a source of comfort through those hard times.
The song's lyrics are straightforward, but its meaning is deep, touching on the nuances of a committed relationship. It speaks of being there for each other through hardships and providing comfort and support, which is what a healthy relationship should be.
Line by Line Meaning
We gonna lay it on
We're going to be upfront and honest
Bright and early cause the heat is on
We'll do it quickly and decisively because the situation demands it
And I know that you are ready
I trust that you're prepared for what I have to say
Let us lay it on
Let's get to the point
Now that we are moving in the groove
Now that we're both comfortable and in sync
And mi seh, hush darling
And let me tell you to calm down
Even if it hurts to cry
Even if holding back tears is painful
Hush darling
Please be quiet
'Cause I'm a gonna tell you why
Because I have a reason for asking you to be quiet
'Cause after a storm
Because every difficult situation is followed by a period of rest and recovery
There must be a calm
It's necessary to go through a period of peace and ease after facing adversity
And I will keep you warm
I'm here for you and I'll make sure you're taken care of
Darling, um, darling
My dear
Wait a little longer
Just hold on a bit longer
Hush darling
Please be quiet
'Cause love is getting stronger
Because our love is growing stronger
Contributed by Joshua H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dwm25
This man's contribution to reggae history is incredible. He is obviously known for his lovers, at which he was undoubtedly a master but he did his share of roots and culture, a true master of his art. A shame he went down a certain path in life but I'll never forget seeing him live, and I'll play his music till I pass.
@LesRickfordMedia
don't underestimate Gregory's contribution to conscious tunes. he was a don in that department too. RIP the coolest ruler
@TrustGodsPlan18
Hush darling after a storm they'll be a calm ....love it .Beautifully sung .
@MyMartin3333
😍
@MyMartin3333
Perfect Pat l have this on vinyl. Gregory is still the cool ruler.
@TrustGodsPlan18
@MyMartin3333 He is indeed Martin I agree with you on that 👍
@MyMartin3333
@@TrustGodsPlan18 🥰
@MyMartin3333
😊
@brumgirl64
5 years since you went home to the Father...Gone but never forgotten. Your music brings me joy and great memories. Thank you Mr. Cool Ruler..RIP
@LyricalShotta1985
I don't understand how you can't like this song....