Isakov's grandfather was a
Lithuanian Jew who fled to South Africa during
World War II. Isakov was born in
Johannesburg on October 19, 1979. He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1986 because his father Nissen started an electronic engineering business in Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, he began touring with a band at the age of 16. Isakov had played instruments his whole life, but began a life as a professional musician playing occasional gigs while also working as a gardener. In 2005, he self-released
Songs for October. In 2007, he self-released
That Sea, the Gambler. In 2009, Isakov self-released
This Empty Northern Hemisphere which featured vocals by
Brandi Carlile on five tracks and a cover of
Leonard Cohen's "One of Us Cannot Be Wrong". In 2013, Isakov created his independent label Suitcase Town Music on which he released
The Weatherman. In 2016, Isakov released
Gregory Alan Isakov with the Colorado Symphony, an album of eleven of his earlier songs orchestrated by several composers and recorded with the full
Colorado Symphony. On October 5, 2018, he released
Evening Machines on his Suitcase Town Music label. The song "Big Black Car" from the 2009 album
This Empty Northern Hemisphere was featured in a 2012
McDonald's commercial. Isakov donated the proceeds to non-profit organizations that help further sustainable farming and nurture community. == Discography ==