", He added: "People like Desmond Dekker only come along once in a lifetime. [3] In 1972 the rude boy film The Harder They Come was released and Dekker's "007 (Shanty Town)" was featured on the soundtrack along with Cliff's version of "You Can Get It If You Really Want", as well as other Jamaican artists' hits, giving reggae more international exposure and preparing the way for Bob Marley. Track Listing - Disc 1 Track Listing - Disc 2 blue highlight denotes track pick He lived for his music and his children. A series of songs including "Rude Boy Train" and "Rudie Got Soul" made Mr. Dekker a hero of Jamaica's rough urban "rude boy" culture. He was preparing to headline The World Music Festival in Prague. Early Life His mother had passed away from a young age. sold millions of copies, became the first purely Jamaican song to top the Together with his backing group The Aces (consisting of Wilson James and Easton Barrington Howard), he had one of the earliest international reggae hits with "Israelites" (1968). [10], In 1969 Dekker took permanent residency in the UK. In the 1960s, Jamaican Rastafarians were largely marginalized as "cultish" and ostracized from the larger society, including by the more conservative Christian church in Kingston. , May 27, 2006, p. A11; Born Desmond Dacres in Kingston, Jamaica on July 16, 1942, the star-to-be was orphaned in his teens. Track listing. Dekker then recruited four brothers, Carl, Patrick, Clive and Barry Howard, as his permanent backing vocalists to perform with him under the name Desmond Dekker and the Aces. Photograph: PA. His fans included the Beatles, who namechecked him in the lyrics to Dekker recorded the song again for his 1980 album Black and Dekker. Despite "Israelites" being recorded and released in 1968, the Uni 45 discography shows its cataloguing in 1969. years earlier, when both worked as welders in Kingston, and Dekker From a young age he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. This was the sense used in the song's lyrics, which metaphorically tell of the problems that happens when someone (such as a lover) goes too far. Mr. Dekker was divorced and is survived by a son and daughter. When Maxell used Israelites in a TV commercial, it propelled Dekker and his music back into the spotlight. Copyright Simbis Inc.All rights reserved. Potentially because of this usage, the song charted again, entering the Billboard Digital Reggae Song Sales Chart at #2.[15]. All tracks composed by Desmond Dekker; except where indicated "It Mek" (Dekker, Leslie Kong) - 1:40 "Too Much Too Soon" (Dekker, Leslie Kong) - 2:38 "Coconut Water" - 3:27 "Sweet Music" - 2:29 Later that decade, however, there was a revival of interest in Mr Williams said Dekker had led the way for reggae stars such as Bob Marley. Desmond Dekker in Comanche Park video Sony Records (1994), Saint Andrew Parish (Greater Kingston), Jamaica, Jamaica Independence Festival Song Contest, "Desmond Dekker - full Official Chart History", "Desmond Dekker Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography", "British certifications Desmond Dekker", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Desmond_Dekker&oldid=1133815021, Short description is different from Wikidata, All Wikipedia articles written in Jamaican English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Aubrey Mulrain keyboard player and session musician, Steve Roberts guitarist and session musician (also a member of the British band Dubzone), Stan Samuel guitarist and session musician, Charles Nelson keyboard player and session musician, Delroy Williams Vocals (also featuring guests Winston 'Mr Fix It' Francis and Glenroy Oakley from Greyhound 'Black & White'), Gordon Mulrain bass guitarist and session musician, Learoy Green drums, backing vocals and session musician, Bryan Campbell Keyboard player and session musician, Steve Baker Guitarist, backing vocals, peripatetic guitar teacher and session guitarist. introduced Marley to the record label executives who shaped his own The two had met charts in the United States, and opened the ears of the world to the music [1] Dekker's international success led to him touring overseas, although The Aces did not accompany him due to Samuels refusal to fly (Samuels stating that "Rastas did not fly on iron birds") and Barry Howard's decision to emigrate to the United States. stopped. His 1980 album, "Black and Dekker," featured members of a venerable Jamaican band, the Pioneers, and Graham Parker's band, the Rumour. Despite declining sales, Dekker remained a popular live performer and continued to tour with The Rumour. Desmond Dekker. States, but it reached No. Singer. ", Reggae DJ Daddy Ernie, of Choice FM in London, said: "Any history book that you pick up on reggae, Desmond Dekker's name will have to be in there. [7], "007" was Dekker's first international hit. "[3] According to the liner notes for the Dekker compilation album Rockin' Steady The Best of Desmond Dekker the phrase was also used as a schoolyard taunt roughly meaning "that's what you get." The 64-year-old Jamaican, best known for his 1969 smash hit Israelites, collapsed at his home in Surrey. He was the Specials considered him their musical hero. pioneer Desmond Dekker dominated Jamaica's pop charts in the 1960s, Other hits include "007", "It Mek" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want". [6], The 1980s found Dekker signed to a new label, Stiff Records, an independent label that specialized in punk and new wave acts as well as releases associated with the 2 Tone label, whose acts instigated a short-lived but influential ska revival. Dekker was divorced and was survived by his son and daughter.[14]. born in 1941 or 1942. Los Angeles Times [8] The single was a number one hit in Jamaica and reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, making it the first Jamaican-produced record to reach the UK top 20. Eventually in 1963 Kong chose "Honour Your Mother and Father" (written by Dekker and the song that Dekker had sung in his Kong audition two years earlier), which became a Jamaican hit and established Dekker's musical career. park one day, was a homage to Jamaica's underclass, who were still "Israelites" brought a Jamaican beat to the British top 40 for the first time since Dekker's #14 hit "007 (Shanty Town)" in 1967. It was during this period that Desmond Dacres adopted the stage-name of Desmond Dekker. As a teenager he worked in a welding shop alongside Bob Marley and auditioned unsuccessfully for various producers until Mr. Marley encouraged him to try out for his own first producer, Leslie Kong. He died after collapsing from a heart attack at his home in Surrey, England, his manager, Delroy Williams, told Reuters. This was followed by the release of the tracks "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning". Intensified 4. He was a Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae singer. Ostensibly a reissue of his 1969 U.K. LP of 1966-1968 recordings, which had . 15 on the British charts. I told you once and I told you twice. 007: The Best of Desmond Dekker is a two-disc collection that features 25 classic hits from Dekker's catalog, as well as another 25 rare and unreleased sides including alternate takes of some of the artist's fan favorites of the '60s and '70s. . Although Mr. Dekker had no further hits in the United States, he continued to have hits in England with "It Mek" in 1969 and the first recording of Jimmy Cliff's "You Can Get It if You Really Want" in 1970. "They know all the words to his songs, Desmond Adolphus Dacres was born in Saint Andrew Parish (Greater Kingston), Jamaica, on 16 July 1941. [1] Kong employed the group as backing singers for Dekker and they can be heard on the song "Get Up Adinah" (credited as The Four Aces). version of ska. "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. Dekker was instrumental in popularizing the rude boy subculture, highlighting Jamaican ghetto life with 007 (Shanty Town), that became a working-class anthem for those in Jamaica and the United Kingdom. The singer and songwriter, whose 1969 . migrating across the Atlantic along with a growing West Indian expatriate In 1967 he appeared on Derrick Morgan's "Tougher Than Tough", which helped begin a trend of popular songs commenting on the rude boy subculture which was rooted in Jamaican ghetto life where opportunities for advancement were limited and life was economically difficult. [2] The single featured Roland Alphonso's "El Torro" on the B-side.[2]. [3], Only a single live album was released in the late '80s. Browse 99 desmond dekker stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. At the time of his death, he was preparing as the headliner of a world music festival in Prague. Jamaican Spiced Easter Bun Recipe: Kerri-Anns 9 Side Dishes Jamaicans Serve with Jerk Chicken, The 6 Soups Every Jamaican Should Know How to Cook. When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". Dubbed "the King of Ska," Desmond Dekker is one of the key artists in the history of Jamaican music. Desmond Adolphus Dacres (Desmond Dekker), singer and songwriter, born July 16 1941; died May 25 2006, Jamaican singer best known for The Israelites and It Miek, he helped launch the career of Bob Marley, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. [1] The group came to the attention of Dekker, who supported them when they auditioned for Leslie Kong at Beverley's studio in 1965. , May 27, 2006, sec. Desmond Dekker - Israelites (Official Music Video) Weedy Weed Smoker 7.04K subscribers Subscribe 349K views 5 years ago Music video by Desmond Dekker performing Israelites. He collaborated with the Specials on the 1993 album, King of Kings, which was released under Desmond Dekker and the Specials. Compass Point Dekker soon garnered a wider audience with his songs, which were recorded [3] 1969 saw the release of "It Mek", which became a hit both in Jamaica and the UK. What sweet nanny goat a go run him belly good. Join our newsletter to get the latest articles, news, & videos. Desmond Dekker, the orphan who trained as a welder alongside one Robert Marley and led the march of Jamaican music on to the global charts, has died aged 64. "The Israelites," with its biblical imagery of suffering and redemption, showed the world reggae's combination of danceable rhythm and serious, sometimes spiritual intentions. [2], The disc was released in the UK in March 1969 and was #1 for one week, selling over 250,000 copies. hotspot in 2005, "which was almost completely people under Mr Williams said: "He was at his peak fitness, he had this big tour coming up for this summer and he was looking forward to it - and then that was it. comparisons between Jamaica's poor and the beleaguered Israelites Jamaican Ska Star Desmond Dekker Dies - Billboard The Top 14 Jamaican Recipes Searched for by Canadians. The obituary was featured in Legacy on May 26, 2006. His first contract was with Leslie Kongs Beverleys label. In 1975 "Israelites" was re-released and became a UK top 10 hit for a second time. [2] of musicians and producers Dekker cut two more albums, journalist Jocelyn Y. Stewart. Ska legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager said today. Two 63K views 4 years ago A reggae hit in 1969 for Desmond Dekker and the Aces. He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe . Israelites 2. , May 27, 2006, p. B17; tribute, was evident in a sold-out show Dekker played at a Hollywood 30," Steffens said. Together with his backing group The Aces (consisting of Wilson James and Easton Barrington Howard), he had one of the earliest international reggae hits with "Israelites" (1968). With a younger generation Sung in Jamaican creole, some of the song's lyrics were not readily understood by many British and American listeners at the time of its release. May 25, 2006 - Desmond Dekker was born Desmond Adolphus Dacres on July 16th 1941 in Saint Andrew Parrish, Kingston, Jamaica. expressed in the growth of ska, a mix of imported rhythm and blues and Its title and lyrics refer to the cool imagery of films such as the James Bond series and Ocean's 11, admired by "rudies". Dekker spent his early formative years in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. [8] King of Kings consists of songs by Dekker's musical heroes including Byron Lee; Theophilus Beckford, Jimmy Cliff, and his friend and fellow Kong label artist, Derrick Morgan. It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. 1 in Britain and No. It was his workmates who first noted his vocal talents, as the youngster sang around the workshop. [2] It spent eleven weeks in the UK chart, and by September 1970 had sold over a million copies worldwide. The punk era of the late 1970's brought with it an English revival of ska by groups like Madness and the Specials. Desmond Dekker, was born in Jamaica's Saint Andrew Parish on July 16, 1941, and was an early influencer with one of the earliest reggae hits, "Israelites." The ska, reggae and rock steady singer, songwriter and musician was introduced to music through the local church he attended as a child. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. A man of many talents, Desmond Adolphus Dacres, a.k.a. It's Not Easy 3. He also collaborated on a remix of "Israelites" with reggae artist Apache Indian. He recorded an album called Black & Dekker (1980), which featured his previous hits backed by The Rumour, Graham Parker's backing band and Akrylykz (featuring Roland Gift, later of Fine Young Cannibals). Intensified is an album by Desmond Dekker & the Aces released in 1970. UK reissue of this two CD collection by the Reggae/Ska legend. The chords of the guitar accompaniment are played on the offbeat and move through the tonic chord [B flat], the subdominant [E flat], the dominant [F], and the occasional [D flat],[5] viz, [B flat] - [E flat] - [F] - [B flat] - [D flat]. [1] The group came to the attention of Dekker, who supported them when they auditioned for Leslie Kong at Beverley's studio in 1965. Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. given to Kingston's tough urban youth who modeled themselves on the He suffered a heart attack and He was already a major star in Jamaica and well known in Britain. A string of Jamaican hits followed, including "It Pays," "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning." "I saw him live dozens of times and he couldn't do a bad show - he was always magnificent.". the film introduced Jamaica's vibrant musical culture to the rest He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe during the summer. Also founder & MD of popular Reggae and Ska Tribute/backing band, Paul Abraham Guitarist and backing vocals, This page was last edited on 15 January 2023, at 17:21. The song is a lament of this condition. celebrity on the island and throughout the Caribbean. He had 10 studio albums, 25 compilation albums, and 47 singles during his career. Dekker, whose 1969 hit Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts, collapsed at his Surrey home. [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom. [2] A gold record was presented by Ember Records, the distributors of Dekker's recordings.[2]. "007 (song)" redirects here. Dekker was initially reluctant to record the track but was eventually persuaded to do so by Leslie Kong. "independence in 1962 had bestowed a new cultural confidence, The most successful track of his New York Times I was his manager and his best friend. [6] Dekker also released "Problems" and "Pickney Gal", both of which were popular in Jamaica, although only "Pickney Gal" managed to chart in the UK top 50.[3]. [3] In Dekker's words: "The students had a demonstration and it went all the way around to Four Shore Road and down to Shanty Town. [1] The track was written by Dekker (under his real name of Desmond Dacres) and his record producer, Leslie Kong, and was recorded in Jamaica with the brass accompaniment added in the UK. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 - 25 May 2006) [1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. Desmond Dekker & The Aces - Israelites (Official Lyrics Video) Trojan Records Official 109K subscribers Subscribe 40K Share 3.5M views 3 years ago #Pyramid #Israelites #rocksteady Between 1967. The musician's popularity waned in the late '70s and '80s, and Dekker was declared bankrupt in 1984. considered the genre's first genuine star, but his fame would later But his success started to wane by the end of the 70s and early 80s and he was declared bankrupt in 1984. "Israelites" was Dekker's only real hit in the United Meanwhile, Dekker spotted the talent of Bob Marley, a fellow welder, and brought the youth to Kong's attention. the Jamaican charts. It Mek (sometimes appearing as "A It Mek" or German language "It Miek") was a 1969 hit song by the Jamaican musicians Desmond Dekker & the Aces.After being re-released in June 1969, the single reached number 7 in the UK Singles Chart. This is one of the pioneers that has passed away - his place is definitely cemented in reggae history.". "Honour Your Father and Mother" reached the No. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. [12][13], Dekker died of a heart attack on 25 May 2006, at his home in Thornton Heath in the London Borough of Croydon, England, aged 64[3] and was buried at Streatham Park Cemetery. The song established Dekker as a rude boy icon in Jamaica and also became a favourite dance track for the young working-class men and women of the United Kingdom's mod scene. community, and in 1967 his song "0.0.7 (Shanty Town)" He was a composer, known for Fool's Gold (2008), Idiocracy (2006) and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008). Dekker's own songs did not go to the extremes of many other popular rude boy songs, which reflected the violence and social problems associated with ghetto life, though he did introduce lyrics that resonated with the rude boys, starting with one of his best-known songs, "007 (Shanty Town)". [11] In 1984 he was declared bankrupt. He moved to the UK in the '70s, later recording the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. Steffens told Stewart in the Mr Williams described the singer as a private person who would go back to Jamaica from time to time but only to see his family rather than to perform: "He wasn't out there like other stars partying all the time, he just did his job. You got wildlife and thing like that because it down near the beach. [9][10] Ethnomusicologist Michael Veal identifies "007 (Shanty Town)" as one of the songs that demonstrated the viability of Jamaican music in England.[11].
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