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.

Wake for Gregory Isaacs in north London

Source:http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20101111/ent/ent1.html