Reggae-Legende Gregory Isaacs: Abschied in London vor dem Staatsbegräbnis in Jamaica

Gregory Isaacs’ UK Farewell | Carib101.com
 Carib 101.com

"jamaicaobserver.com – Family, friends and fans of the late Reggae star Gregory Isaacs, popularly known as the Cool Ruler, gathered at the All Saints Anglican Church in Harrow Weald , London on Wednesday to bid farewell to the crroner who died on October 25.

The Jamaican Government was represented by High Commissioner to the UK, Anthony Johnson, while a number of Isaacs’s contemporaries packed the North London church for the service.

The singer’s remains were expected to arrive in Jamaican yesterday. Isaacs is to be accorded a state funeral next Saturday, November 20 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston starting at 10:00 am

Viewing of Isaacs’ body will take place at the same venue on Friday, November 19 between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm.The theme for the Thanksgiving Service is Red Rose for Gregory and persons attending being asked to take along a red rose and to wear black or white or a combination and to be seated by 9:30 am.

A tribute concert is also being organised for Thursday, November 18 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre."

Gregory Isaacs - Contributed

Time to say goodbye – Gregory Isaacs, Sonia Pottinger, Keith Stewart. – THE BRONGSTER 

"London, United Kingdom:
Family, fans and well-wishers yesterday said their final goodbye to Reggae legend Gregory Isaacs as hundreds turned out at the All Saints Anglican Church in Harrow Weald, North London.
The Gregory Isaacs All Star band played all the popular rhythms over which Gregory Isaacs delivered numerous number one songs over a 40-year career.
The Cool Ruler looked restful, lean from having shed much weight during his final battles with cancer, as he lay draped in silk, dressed in a white suit with glistening studs and a beautifully engraved bible placed in his hands. The artistically carved dark oak coffin was draped in a red, gold and green flag bearing the image of the Lion of Judah. A single wreath made of white roses sat atop, beside his trademark white fedora.
Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom gave a tribute on behalf of Prime Minister Hon. Bruce Golding, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, all the members of the Jamaican parliament and the Jamaican community in the UK.
He said Gregory Isaacs' life and work showed Jamaica's true potential in his rise from very humble beginnings to become a global superstar. "
Long-time friend and band leader Clifton 'Bigga' Morrison recounted his years with Isaacs in a tribute that was anecdotally engaging and informative. He gave a moving account of Isaacs' last days as he visited with him at his bedside. The audience joined him in a frequent chant "We love you Gregory".
Reggae journalist Mandingo gave a detailed account of Gregory Isaacs' life from the early days at 'Idlers' Rest' in downtown Kingston. He detailed Isaacs' contribution to the growth of reggae music and placed into context the impact he had on the development of modern reggae.
Veteran reggae singer King Sounds paid tribute in song with a rendition of You're My Pilot.
Among the members of the entertainment industry in attendance were J.C. Lodge, Winston Francis, Sylvia Tella, Janet Kay, Niney the Observer, Audrey Reid and Carl Bradshaw.
Following the ceremony, Gregory Isaacs' remains were taken to a rest home at Gatwick Airport from where he will be flown to Jamaica today for an official funeral on November 20. Gregory Isaacs died in London on October 25. He was 60 years old."

Gregory Isaacs Blog Posts - Blog Top Sites 

trinituner.com • View topic - R.I.P. Gregory Isaacs :( 

 www.2daworld.com

 

Gregory Isaacs' daughter Sandra makes a point to her brother Tommy (right), during a memorial service to celebrate the life of the singer at All Saints Anglican Church in Harrow Weald, London, yesterday. At centre is Jamaica's high commissioner to the United Kingdom, Anthony Johnson, who paid tribute on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and the Jamaican community in the UK. JIS photo/DANKE!/Jamaica Gleaner News - Isaacs sent home in style - News - Thursday | November 11, 2010

Jamaica Gleaner News - Isaacs sent home in style - News - Thursday | November 11, 2010 

"London, United Kingdom:
Reggae

legend Gregory Isaacs once again took superstar billing as hundreds of well-wishers, rather than mourners, celebrated his life in unique style in London yesterday.
A sunny, crisp autumn day set the stage for the Cool Ruler's final appearance in the city he regarded as his second home.
The All Saints Anglican Church in Harrow Weald, North London, was packed to the rafters as passionate, reflective tributes flowed from those who knew and loved the singer.
The Gregory Isaacs All Star band played all the popular rhythms over which Isaacs delivered numerous hit songs over a 40-year career.
The Cool Ruler looked restful as he lay draped in silk, dressed in a white suit with glistening studs and a beautifully engraved Bible placed in his hands. The artistically carved dark oak coffin was draped in a red, gold and green flag bearing the image of the Lion of Judah. A single wreath made of white roses sat atop, beside his trademark white fedora.
Tributes flowed, despite not following a specific order. Family members and friends painted Isaacs as a spirited comedian, friend, father and musical genius.
Anthony Johnson, the Jamaican high commissioner to the United Kingdom, gave a tribute on behalf of Prime Minister Bruce Golding; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Olivia Grange; all the members of the Jamaican Parliament and the Jamaican community in the UK.
Global superstar
Johnson said Isaacs' life and work showed Jamaica's true potential in his rise from very humble beginnings to become a global superstar.
Long-time friend and band leader Clifton 'Bigga' Morrison recounted his years with Isaacs in a tribute that was anecdotally engaging and informative.
Morrison gave a moving account of Isaacs' last days as he visited the cancer-stricken entertainer at his bedside. The audience joined him in a frequent chant, "We love you, Gregory".
But perhaps the biggest tribute of all came in the spontaneous chaos that erupted when the band began playing Gregory's music. Much of the audience converged at the front of the church and sang his lyrics word for word. Vicar James Mercer appeared stunned but quickly acquiesced, as Isaacs' fans were determined to dispatch with protocol and celebrate his life in a style reminiscent of his many encore performances across the world.
Among the members of the entertainment industry in attendance were J.C. Lodge, Winston Francis, Sylvia Tella, Janet Kay, Niney the Observer, Audrey Reid and Carl Bradshaw.
Following the ceremony, Isaacs' remains were taken to a rest home at Gatwick Airport from where he will be flown to Jamaica today for an official funeral on November 20.
Isaacs died in London on October 25. He was 60 years old.
- JIS"

www.2daworld.com