Washington Post years later the track became the signature song for the groundbreaking Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 25 May 2006)[1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. In 1980, Dekker released a new recording of the song on UK label Stiff Records, performed in an uptempo Two Tone style. Dekker's next album, Compass Point (1981), was produced by Robert Palmer. An energetic live performer, he was about to start a European summer tour and was booked to play in Prague next week. Desmond Dekker was born on 16 July 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica. born in 1941 or 1942. Dekker was born on 16 July 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica, and began his working life as a welder before turning to singing full-time. He often sang on the job, which prompted A few Ironically although he went to worldwide fame his former welding colleague Marley never had a UK number one. A . Desmond Dekker, was born in Jamaicas 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. 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. [9][10] Ethnomusicologist Michael Veal identifies "007 (Shanty Town)" as one of the songs that demonstrated the viability of Jamaican music in England.[11]. I was his manager and his best friend. He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe during the summer. producers turned him down before Leslie Kong signed Dekker to his label in His manager and best friend, Delroy Williams, said he had seen the singer and songwriter the night before and he had seemed fine. He died after collapsing from a heart attack at. In 1975 this collaboration resulted in the release of "Sing a Little Song", which charted in the UK top twenty; this was to be his last UK hit. Photo Courtesy:Desmond Dekker Reggae Facebook. Browse 99 desmond dekker stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. offbeat." 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. which Dekker admitted was the result of a swindle by his former manager. Most recently, it featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 film Vivarium. [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. [9] Desmond headlined Jools Holland's 2003 Annual Hootenanny. The two had met The obituary was featured in Legacy on May 26, 2006. His first contract was with Leslie Kongs Beverleys label. The punk era of the late 1970's brought with it an English revival of ska by groups like Madness and the Specials. Born Desmond Dacres in 1941, Dekker worked as a welder in Kingston before signing with Leslie Kong's Beverley's record label and releasing his first single, "Honor Your Father and Your Mother," in . Desmond Dekker - Israelites (Official Music Video) - YouTube Along with Bob . 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. ", 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. Israelites (song) - Wikipedia From a young age he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. She was saying she needs money and he was saying the work he was doing was not giving him enough. He was already a major star in Jamaica and well known in Britain. But his success started to wane by the end of the 70s and early 80s and he was declared bankrupt in 1984. By the 1980s, he was signed to Stiff Records and his music created a short-term revival of ska, but he was bankrupt by 1984. "It was an exciting time in [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. This Is Desmond Dekkar Review. 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. And it just get out of controlIs just a typical riot 'cause I say - Them a loot, them a shoot, them a wail. Free shipping for many products! It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. hotspot in 2005, "which was almost completely people under He died after collapsing from a heart attack at his home in Surrey, England, his manager, Delroy Williams, told Reuters. Reggae singer Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, aged 64. [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. In 2000 he released the album "Halfway to Paradise." "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not. On November 3, 2019, "Israelites" was prominently featured in the third episode of HBO's Watchmen. May 25, 2006 - Desmond Dekker was born Desmond Adolphus Dacres on July 16th 1941 in Saint Andrew Parrish, Kingston, Jamaica. 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). the resurgence of ska in England, and top-selling bands like Madness and generations of fans. suffering even after independence from Britain. 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. Desmond Dekker Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic Jamaican Ska Star Desmond Dekker Dies - Billboard It took two years before Kong let Dekker record a song, and when he did, Problems 9. His impact on music, record-company veteran Roger Desmond Dekker, Desmond Dekker & the Aces - Intensified - AllMusic "007 (Shanty Town)" is a 1967 rocksteady song by Jamaican band Desmond Dekker and the Aces, released as a single from their debut album of the same name. The rhythm had been featured by Anthony B in 2008 on The Pow Pow Trilogy, ("Time For The Love"). wider renown. The star was divorced with a son and daughter. Dekker was responsible for bringing Bob Marleys talents to the attention of Kong and the two had several successful collaborations. "Israelites" was Dekker's only real hit in the United [4] It combined the Rastafarian religion with rude boy concerns,[5] to make what has been described as a "timeless masterpiece that knew no boundaries".[6]. In 1962 "Judge Not" and "One Cup Of Coffee" became the first recorded efforts of Marley, who retained gratitude, respect and admiration for Dekker for the rest of his life. Desmond Dekker passed away. Desmond Dekker, who brought the sound of Jamaican ska to the world with songs such as "Israelites," has died, his manager said Friday. be eclipsed by another Jamaican, reggae artist Bob Marley. celebrity on the island and throughout the Caribbean. [11] In June 1969 it reached the Top Ten in the United States, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. He suffered a heart attack and "[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." "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. Jamaica's post-colonial Early Life [3], In 1961 he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle), though neither audition was successful. Chicago Tribune Desmond Dekker, who has died of a heart attack aged 64 in Surrey, was one of the first Jamaican vocalists to make a significant impact outside the land of his birth. Singer. of London obituary noted. [5] Despite its cautionary sentiment, it cemented Dekker's popularity among rude boys in Jamaica,[2][6] in contrast to Dekker's earlier music, which espoused traditional morals such as parental respect and the importance of education. It hit #1 in the United Kingdom,[12] the Netherlands, Jamaica, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and West Germany. For Once in My Life (Missing Lyrics) 10. [13] Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. 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). Desmond Dekker, King of Ska - Rock and Roll Paradise [2], The disc was released in the UK in March 1969 and was #1 for one week, selling over 250,000 copies. Black and Dekker [1], Jamaica Independence Festival Song Contest, "Jamaica Ska Legend Winston Samuels Is Dead - News Americas NowCaribbean and Latin America Daily News", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Aces_(Jamaican_group)&oldid=1117842044, Easton Barrington "Barry" Howard (19651969), Winston James Samuels (left 1969, died 2017), This page was last edited on 23 October 2022, at 21:37. "He died peacefully but it still hurts. Desmond Dekker - Cultural Jamaican Musical Talisman - uDiscover Music [11] In 1984 he was declared bankrupt. It Mek 7. 2, p. 11; The 64-year-old Jamaican, best known for his 1969 smash hit Israelites, collapsed at his home in Surrey yesterday morning. He was also a songwriter and a musician as well. BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Reggae legend Desmond Dekker dies Left to earn a living on his own, he apprenticed as a welder. He moved to the UK in the '70s, later recording the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. Despite "Israelites" being recorded and released in 1968, the Uni 45 discography shows its cataloguing in 1969. comparisons between Jamaica's poor and the beleaguered Israelites charts in the United States, and opened the ears of the world to the music Track listing. 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).Other hits include "007 (Shanty Town)" (1967), "It Mek" (1969) and "You Can Get It If You Really . [2] While at St. Thomas, Dekker embarked on an apprenticeship as a tailor before returning to Kingston, where he became a welder. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I dig you out and you're cool, girl. of a heart attack, May 25, 2006, in London, England. Rude. 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. Search instead in Creative? The Aces (Jamaican group) - Wikipedia "independence in 1962 had bestowed a new cultural confidence, Dekker wrote the song after watching news coverage of a student demonstration against government plans to build an industrial complex on land close to the beach, which descended into violence. Other hits include "007", "It Mek" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want". "They know all the words to his songs, the Jamaican charts. UK ska-punk band Sonic Boom Six used a sample of the chorus as the outro to "Rum Little Skallywag". Mr. Dekker had a total of 20 No. He was a Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae singer. His 1980 album, "Black and Dekker," featured members of a venerable Jamaican band, the Pioneers, and Graham Parker's band, the Rumour. Desmond Dekker - YouTube Music His lyrics drew The vocal melody is syncopated and is centred on the tone of B flat. "007 (song)" redirects here. ", He added: "People like Desmond Dekker only come along once in a lifetime. tribute, was evident in a sold-out show Dekker played at a Hollywood . This double disc set features every major UK and Jamaican chart hit by the first King of Reggae, all sourced from the original analog master tapes. He was preparing to headline The World Music Festival in Prague. The "007" riddim was revived in 2007 for a series of releases on Beverley's Records, forming the basis of singles from Joseph Cotton ("Ship Sail"), Mike Brooks ("Blam Blam Blam"), The Blackstones ("Out a Road"), and Dennis Alcapone ("D.J. Desmond Dekker Obituary (2006) - Legacy It was taken from an album of similar re-recordings of his old hits, Black & Dekker. The singer and songwriter, whose 1969 . The themes of Dekker's songs during the first four years of his career dealt with the moral, cultural and social issues of mainstream Jamaican culture: respect for one's parents ("Honour Your Mother and Father"), religious morality ("Sinners Come Home") and education ("Labour for Learning"). "The Israelites," with its biblical imagery of suffering and redemption, showed the world reggae's combination of danceable rhythm and serious, sometimes spiritual intentions. Mr. Dekker's songs were rediscovered, and he was signed by Madness's label, Stiff Records. ", Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Unflagging performer Desmond Dekker. With the release of Israelites, Dekker became the first Jamaican artist to score a hit in the United States. Desmond Dekker - This Is Desmond Dekkar Album Reviews, Songs & More It was one of the first reggae songs to become an international hit, despite Dekker's strong Jamaican accent which made his lyrics difficult to understand for many listeners outside Jamaica.[10]. Many of his His last concert was at Leeds Metropolitan University on 11 May. Times Musical pioneer Desmond Dekker dominated Jamaica's pop charts in the 1960s, and became one of his country's first recording stars to achieve wider renown. 1972 film lament, whose lyrics Dekker had written in his head while walking in a [5] Many of the hits from this era came from his debut album, 007 (Shanty Town). Mark Lamarr, presenter of BBC Radio 2's Reggae Show, said: "He probably was the first reggae superstar to have hits outside Jamaica in the US and UK. Despite declining sales, Dekker remained a popular live performer and continued to tour with The Rumour. [3] In 2003 a reissue of The Harder They Come soundtrack featured "Israelites" and "007 (Shanty Town)". Desmond Dekker 1. Desmond Dekker Biography, Life, Interesting Facts - Famous Birthdays By List of number-one singles from the 1960s (UK), List of 1960s one-hit wonders in the United States, "Israelites / The Man - Desmond Dekker & The Aces", "Desmond Dekker & The Aces, Beverley's All Stars - Poor Me Israelites / Fly Right", Desmond Dekker and the Aces Israelites", The Irish Charts Search Results Israelites", "Desmond Dekker & the Aces: Artist Chart History", "Desmond Dekker The Aces Chart History (Hot 100)", Offiziellecharts.de Desmond Dekker and the Aces Israelites", "British single certifications Desmond Dekker & The Aces Israelites", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Israelites_(song)&oldid=1134128754, Short description is different from Wikidata, Single chart usages for Belgium (Flanders), Single chart usages for Belgium (Wallonia), Certification Table Entry usages for United Kingdom, Pages using certification Table Entry with streaming figures, Pages using certification Table Entry with streaming footnote, Articles with MusicBrainz release group identifiers, Articles with MusicBrainz work identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, "My Precious World (The Man)" by Beverley's All Stars, This page was last edited on 17 January 2023, at 03:48. The artist took a permanent residency in the UK in 1969. Los Angeles Times Reggae pioneer Desmond Dekker dies, aged 64 - the Guardian 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. Born Desmond Adolphus Dacres, July 16, c. 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica; died [3], In 1968 Dekker's "Israelites" was released, eventually topping the UK Singles Chart in April 1969 and peaking in the top ten of the US Billboard Hot 100 in June 1969. "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," Mr Williams said. Showing Editorial results for desmond dekker. Their song "Working on it Night and Day", entered the pop charts in 1973. Desmond Dekker - Rate Your Music Desmond Dekker, 64, Pioneer of Jamaican Music, Dies The song's title is Jamaican patois meaning "that's why" or "that's the reason. 15 on the British charts. Dekker became associated with bluebeat, a more uptempo From a child he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. Following his mother's death, he moved to the parish of St. Mary and later to St. 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. He died peacefully but it still hurts. [1] By 1967, the only remaining members were Barry Howard and Winston Samuels and it was their backing vocals that featured on Dekker's track, "Israelites". 63K views 4 years ago A reggae hit in 1969 for Desmond Dekker and the Aces. Dekker was divorced and was survived by his son and daughter.[14]. [1] The group came to the attention of Dekker, who supported them when they auditioned for Leslie Kong at Beverley's studio in 1965. Dubbed "the King of Ska," Desmond Dekker is one of the key artists in the history of Jamaican music. Desmond Dekker performing at London's Brixton Academy in 1985. Ska legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager said today. of the biblical era. He was 64. [13], Dekker had two more UK Top 10 hits over the next year, "It Miek" and his cover of Jimmy Cliff's song "You Can Get It If You Really Want". The 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. Notable groups who have covered "007 (Shanty Town)" include: The song has been sampled by Special Ed ("I'm the Magnificent") and Shaggy ("Bonafide Girl"). Intensified 4. Desmond Dekker 5/2006. Thomas. Incudes 'Israelites', '007 (Shanty Town)', 'It Miek', 'You Can Get It If You Really Want' and 'Sing a Litte Song'. Home | DESMOND DEKKER Meanwhile, Dekker spotted the talent of Bob Marley, a fellow welder, and brought the youth to Kong's attention. 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. characterised by a fast, metronomic tempo and a strongly accented Manager Delroy Williams said the Jamaica-born performer had seemed fine when they met a day earlier, adding: "I don't think I will ever get over this. [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom.[2]. Kong, whose music production skills had been a crucial part of both Dekker's and Cliff's careers, died in 1971, affecting the careers of both artists for a short period of time. his co-workers to dare him into auditioning for a record label. His workplace singing had drawn the attention of his co-workers, who encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He collaborated with the Specials on the 1993 album, King of Kings, which was released under Desmond Dekker and the Specials. Track Listing - Disc 1 Track Listing - Disc 2 blue highlight denotes track pick Dekker was a native of Kingston, Jamaica's capital, where he was This was followed by the release of the tracks "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning". [3] 1969 saw the release of "It Mek", which became a hit both in Jamaica and the UK. Other successes included 007 (Shanty Town) and Rude Boy Train, which established him as an icon of Jamaica's 1960s rude boy scene - the ska subculture of sharp-suited urban youth who lead violent invasions of dancehall parties. The unsigned vocalist then auditioned for Leslie Kong's Beverley's record label and was awarded his first recording contract. Desmond Dekker on Apple Music Musical reached No. Desmond Dekker was born on July 16, 1941. [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]. They provided the backing vocals on Dekker's major hit "007 (Shanty Town)" as well as the track "Music Like Dirt (Intensified '68)" (the winning song of the 1968 Jamaica Independence Festival Song Contest). [10], In 1969 Dekker took permanent residency in the UK. [1], The original recording of "007" (without the 'Shanty Town') was produced by Leslie Kong and originally released as a single on the Pyramid label. Copyright Simbis Inc.All rights reserved. "Israelites" w/Lyrics- Desmond Dekker and the Aces - YouTube Dekker's trademark falsetto, singing lyrics in a 1 hits in Jamaica. He was renowned for his earliest reggae hit internationally 'Israelites.' He died at the age of Sixty Four years. But that song was treated as a novelty. park one day, was a homage to Jamaica's underclass, who were still and performed with his backing band, the Four Aces. A man of many talents, Desmond Adolphus Dacres, a.k.a. Desmond Dekker, the Jamaican singer whose 1969 hit, "The Israelites," opened up a worldwide audience for reggae, died on Wednesday. By the end of the decade, Mr. Dekker had won the Golden Trophy award, presented annually to Jamaica's top singer, five times and was known as the King of Bluebeat.