Biography

b. 9 June 1946, Jamaica, West Indies. Isaacs’ initial rise to prominence came with the 1966 hit, ‘I’d Rather Be Lonely’. The song, produced by Ronnie Nasralla, introduced the singer’s style to the Jamaican public and it gained a Top 10 placing. He maintained a steady profile through to 1968, when he joined Lee Perry, who had embarked on an independent career in production. His initial foray as an independent producer came to fruition with the Untouchables, the Inspirations, and Isaacs. With Perry, Isaacs recorded a version of the Stevie Wonder hit, ‘Place In The Sun’. The song proved a hit locally and introduced the singer to a global audience. He remained with Perry through to the mid-70s; notable releases included a version of the Chi-Lites’ ‘We Are Neighbors’ and the sublime ‘Just Enough To Keep Me Hanging On’. His association with Perry culminated when Isaacs released a surprisingly successful version of Acker Bilk’s ‘Stranger On The Shore’. The release also signalled the end of Perry licensing his Upsetter label (collectors may wish to note the matrix number US400) with Trojan Records in the UK. Isaacs continued to maintain his profile with the hits ‘Love And Devotion’, ‘Just Like A Song’ and ‘More Love’. In the mid-80s he joined forces with Ronnie Davis and Keith Porter in the Itals. Isaacs replaced original singer Lloyd Ricketts, who left the line-up owing to personal problems. With the group, Isaacs recorded a series of successful albums, including the Grammy-nominated Rasta Philosophy. Isaacs remained with the Itals into the following decade, performing alongside Keith Porter and his daughter Kada following Ronnie Davis’ decision to pursue a career alongside Roy Smith and Robert Doctor - collectively known as Ronnie Davis And Idren. In 1998 the Trojan compilation, The Upsetter Singles featured much of Isaacs’ work.