Jamaica's post-colonial 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. With a younger generation He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe . pioneer Desmond Dekker dominated Jamaica's pop charts in the 1960s, [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. Nincom Poop 8. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 25 May 2006)[1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. Following his mother's death, he moved to the parish of St. Mary and later to St. [2], The disc was released in the UK in March 1969 and was #1 for one week, selling over 250,000 copies. From a very young age he would regularly attend the local church with his grandmother and aunt. [7] A re-recorded version of "Israelites" was released in 1980 on the Stiff label, followed by other new recordings: Jimmy Cliff's "Many Rivers to Cross" and "Book of Rules". The music began "007 (Shanty Town)" was included in the soundtrack of the film The Harder They Come,[13] and in the Grand Theft Auto IV soundtrack from the Episodes from Liberty City add-on. Singer. "It is such a shock, I don't think I will ever get over this," he said. , May 27, 2006, p. A11; Dekker's last gig was in Leeds on 11 May (Photo: egigs.co.uk), Dekker's hits included Israelites, It Mek and 007 (Shanty Town), The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites, BBC Radio 2's Mark Lamarr pays tribute to Desmond Dekker. He died on 24 May 2006 in Thornton Heath, London, England, UK. 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. [3], In 1961 he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle), though neither audition was successful. The 64-year-old Jamaican, best known for his 1969 smash hit Israelites, collapsed at his home in Surrey yesterday morning. Along with Bob . [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom. The rhythm had been featured by Anthony B in 2008 on The Pow Pow Trilogy, ("Time For The Love"). ", Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Unflagging performer Desmond Dekker. expressed in the growth of ska, a mix of imported rhythm and blues and But in 1984 Mr. Dekker declared bankruptcy, blaming his former manager. Desmond Dekker - Wikipedia The Aces, originally known as The Four Aces, were a Jamaican vocal group who are best known for their work with Desmond Dekker. 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. , May 27, 2006, p. B17; The Harder They Come Desmond Dekker | Culture Wikia | Fandom Destitute ("slaving for bread") and unkempt ("Shirt dem a-tear up, trousers a-go"), some Rastafarians were tempted to a life of crime ("I don't want to end up like Bonnie and Clyde"). Tips of My Fingers 5. Desmond Dekker Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information characterised by a fast, metronomic tempo and a strongly accented BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Reggae legend Desmond Dekker dies The British hitmaker Robert Palmer produced Mr. Dekker's next album, "Compass Point," in 1981. Desmond Dekker - It Mek Lyrics | Genius Lyrics Jamaican Ska Star Desmond Dekker Dies - Billboard 1 in Britain and made him a household name Their song "Working on it Night and Day", entered the pop charts in 1973. Mr. Dekker's songs were rediscovered, and he was signed by Madness's label, Stiff Records. Desmond Dekker - YouTube Music Early Life A man of many talents, Desmond Adolphus Dacres, a.k.a. ", 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. I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far. Dekker was initially reluctant to record the track but was eventually persuaded to do so by Leslie Kong. Dekker, whose 1969 hit Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts, collapsed at his Surrey home. A few When Kong died in 1971, Dekker's career faltered, and the hits Albums include The Harder They Come, The Harder They Come, and Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music. Meanwhile, Dekker spotted the talent of Bob Marley, a fellow welder, and brought the youth to Kong's attention. The Jamaican rhythm of ska had already generated hits in the United States, notably Millie Small's 1964 hit, "My Boy Lollipop." "Israelites" brought a Jamaican beat to the British top 40 for the first time since Dekker's #14 hit "007 (Shanty Town)" in 1967. This was followed by the release of the tracks "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning". [2] Desmond Dekker. He died after collapsing from a heart attack at his home in Surrey, England, his manager, Delroy Williams, told Reuters. The initial line-up of The Aces consisted of Clive Campbell, Barry Howard, Carl Howard, and Patrick Howard. He was 64. [2] While at St. Thomas, Dekker embarked on an apprenticeship as a tailor before returning to Kingston, where he became a welder. [2] The single featured Roland Alphonso's "El Torro" on the B-side.[2]. Desmond Dekker discography and songs: Music profile for Desmond Dekker, born 16 July 1941. [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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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 . released the song "You Can Get It If You Really Want." Black and Dekker , May 27, 2006, sec. [3] In 2003 a reissue of The Harder They Come soundtrack featured "Israelites" and "007 (Shanty Town)". "The Israelites," with its biblical imagery of suffering and redemption, showed the world reggae's combination of danceable rhythm and serious, sometimes spiritual intentions. Free shipping for many products! . 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. He was due to perform at the Respect festival in Prague on June 2, before heading on to Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Belgium and London. His first contract was with Leslie Kongs Beverleys label. [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". He was renowned for his earliest reggae hit internationally 'Israelites.' He died at the age of Sixty Four years. The musician's popularity waned in the late '70s and '80s, and Dekker was declared bankrupt in 1984. Despite declining sales, Dekker remained a popular live performer and continued to tour with The Rumour. "When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". Genres: Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae. Desmond Dekker - This Is Desmond Dekkar Album Reviews, Songs & More "independence in 1962 had bestowed a new cultural confidence, 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. 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. He won the Jamaican Song Festival in 1968 with "Intensified.". On November 3, 2019, "Israelites" was prominently featured in the third episode of HBO's Watchmen. the Jamaican charts. "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. gangsters they saw in Hollywood films. "007 (Shanty Town)" was included in the soundtrack for Chocolate Skateboard's Las Nueve Vidas De Paco (1995), during the segment of professional skater Keenan Milton. tribute, was evident in a sold-out show Dekker played at a Hollywood Mr. Kong produced Mr. Dekker's first single, "Honour Thy Father and Mother," in 1963, and it reached No. "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. 1 hits in Jamaica. Mr. Dekker was divorced and is survived by a son and daughter. 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). This early religious upbringing, as well as Dekker's enjoyment of singing hymns, led to a lifelong religious commitment. [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. Desmond Dekker, 64, Pioneer of Jamaican Music, Dies, https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/27/arts/music/27dekker.html. He suffered a heart attack and Desmond Dekker, 64, Pioneer of Jamaican Music, Dies 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. an ex-wife and a son and daughter, but Dekker was mourned by several The artist died on May 25, 2006, of a heart attack at his home in Thorton Heath in the Croydon Borough of London. born in 1941 or 1942. 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. Dekker, whose 1969 hit Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts, collapsed at his Surrey home. "Israelites" was Dekker's only real hit in the United A global million sales was reported in June 1969. even the most obscure ones.". died on May 25, 2006, in London, at the age of 63 or 64. Incudes 'Israelites', '007 (Shanty Town)', 'It Miek', 'You Can Get It If You Really Want' and 'Sing a Litte Song'. Times 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. He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe during the summer. "They know all the words to his songs, His mother had passed away from a young age. in Leeds just two weeks before his death. But while Mr. Dekker kept up a busy performing career, the death of Mr. Kong in 1971 ended his streak of hits. UK reissue of this two CD collection by the Reggae/Ska legend. journalist Jocelyn Y. Stewart. At the time of his death, he was preparing as the headliner of a world music festival in Prague. version of ska. Steffens told Stewart in the Reggae pioneer Desmond Dekker dies, aged 64 - the Guardian "Desmond Dekker and the Aces: Artist Chart History", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=It_Mek&oldid=1057544344, Short description is different from Wikidata, Single chart usages for Belgium (Flanders), Single chart usages for Belgium (Wallonia), Articles with MusicBrainz work identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 28 November 2021, at 07:27. He lived for his music and his children. "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not. Most recently, it featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 film Vivarium. Desmond Dekker & The Aces - Israelites (Official Lyrics Video) 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. The vocal melody is syncopated and is centred on the tone of B flat. Many of his 2 in the UK charts. Singer. [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". 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. Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. It Mek - Wikipedia The song was his only United States hit, but it was a turning point for Jamaican music among international listeners. He died peacefully but it still hurts. His 1980 album, "Black and Dekker," featured members of a venerable Jamaican band, the Pioneers, and Graham Parker's band, the Rumour. years later the track became the signature song for the groundbreaking Copyright Simbis Inc.All rights reserved. Rock it to me, children. generations of fans. Dekker was born on 16 July 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica, and began his working life as a welder before turning to singing full-time. 007: The Best of Desmond Dekker - AllMusic It was taken from an album of similar re-recordings of his old hits, Black & Dekker. It was his workmates who first noted his vocal talents, as the youngster sang around the workshop. Desmond Dekker, King of Ska - Rock and Roll Paradise the Specials considered him their musical hero. [9][10] Ethnomusicologist Michael Veal identifies "007 (Shanty Town)" as one of the songs that demonstrated the viability of Jamaican music in England.[11]. LONDON (AP) - Desmond Dekker, who brought the sound of Jamaican ska music to the world with hits such as "Israelites," has died, his manager said Friday. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He was orphaned as a teenager but made a success for himself after signing with Leslie Kong's Beverley's record label and releasing his first single, Honour Your Father and Mother, in 1963, a paean. of musicians and producers Dekker cut two more albums, Desmond Dekker, the Jamaican singer whose 1969 hit, "The Israelites," opened up a worldwide audience for reggae, died on Wednesday. The punk era of the late 1970's brought with it an English revival of ska by groups like Madness and the Specials. 9 in the United States in 1969. Desmond Adolphus Dacres was born in Saint Andrew Parish (Greater Kingston), Jamaica, on 16 July 1941. Desmond Dekker Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Ska legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager said today. 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.