Reggae singer Gregory Isaacs died at his home in London on Monday at the age of 59.

His manager confirmed the performer died Monday morning surrounded by his family. He was diagnosed with lung cancer a year ago.

"Gregory was well-loved by everyone, his fans and his family, and he worked really hard to make sure he delivered the music they loved and enjoyed," his wife, Linda, told BBC News.

"He will be greatly missed by his family and friends."

The Jamaican singer shot to fame in 1982 with his album Night Nurse — which included a hit song of the same name — recorded at Bob Marley's Tuff Gong studio.

His other hit singles included Tune In, Down the Line, Slave Master, Cool Ruler, My Number One, Love Overdue, Rumours and The Border.

Graham (Suggs) McPherson, lead singer of reggae-influenced British band Madness, said Isaacs was "a great reggae artist and also one of the most sartorially elegant stars on the world stage."

Voice, songwriting was 'wicked'

Born in a Kingston slum, Isaacs made his way into the Jamaican music scene in his teens, working with several labels. His smoother version of reggae was dubbed Lovers Rock, and Isaacs was given the nickname Cool Ruler for his mellow music, which became popular in the U.K.

At the time, he was considered just as popular as Marley and Jimmy Cliff.

"Gregory's voice and writing ability was wicked. He was one of those soulful singers you could sit and listen to for hours," musician Sly Dunbar said Monday.

Isaacs scored several major hits with Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare in the 1970s including Soon Forward and What a Feeling.

On the cusp of success, Isaacs began a 20-year battle with drug abuse, which saw him sidelined for most of the 1980s and 1990s. He also lost most of his teeth as his health began to decline.

The singer was busted for cocaine possession several times and in a 2007 interview admitted that he had gone to "Cocaine High School ... the greatest college ever, but the most expensive school fee ever paid."

In recent years, the singer managed to kick his habit and began recording again. His 2008 album, Brand New Me, would be his last.

With files from The Associated Press