Desmond Dekker performing at London's Brixton Academy in 1985. journalist Jocelyn Y. Stewart. 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. Desmond Adolphus Dacres was born in Saint Andrew Parish (Greater Kingston), Jamaica, on 16 July 1941. He died peacefully but it still hurts. wider renown. Dekker, whose 1969 hit Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts, collapsed at his Surrey home. At the time of his death, he was preparing as the headliner of a world music festival in Prague. ", He added: "I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye properly.". 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"). 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 died on 24 May 2006 in Thornton Heath, London, England, UK. He moved to the UK in the 70s and recorded the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. Mr Williams said Dekker had led the way for reggae stars such as Bob Marley. Jamaican patois, helped make his 1969 song "Israelites" an His last concert was at Leeds Metropolitan University on 11 May. On the 22 August 1970 edition of American top 40, Casey Kasem claimed that Dekker had more than 40 #1 records in Jamaica. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. "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. Like many of Mr. Dekker's songs, it carried a message. An energetic live performer, he was about to start a European summer tour and was booked to play in Prague next week. Survivors include Dekker was a native of Kingston, Jamaica's capital, where he was Two In 1975 "Israelites" was re-released and became a UK top 10 hit for a second time. Rock it to me, children. years later the track became the signature song for the groundbreaking But that song was treated as a novelty. The rhythm had been featured by Anthony B in 2008 on The Pow Pow Trilogy, ("Time For The Love"). [5] Many of the hits from this era came from his debut album, 007 (Shanty Town). [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]. Free shipping for many products! the Jamaican charts. made it into the Top Ten on the U.S. singles chart the following year. . He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe . 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 . an ex-wife and a son and daughter, but Dekker was mourned by several [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". The singer and songwriter, whose 1969 . Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. expressed in the growth of ska, a mix of imported rhythm and blues and 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. 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). "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. He was already a major star in Jamaica and well known in Britain. of a heart attack, May 25, 2006, in London, England. "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. Washington Post Meanwhile, Dekker spotted the talent of Bob Marley, a fellow welder, and brought the youth to Kong's attention. A man of many talents, Desmond Adolphus Dacres, a.k.a. In 1990 "Israelites" was used in a Maxell TV advert that became popular and brought the song and artist back to the attention of the general public. [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. Following his mother's death, he moved to the parish of St. Mary and later to St. Intensified 4. "When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". introduced Marley to the record label executives who shaped his own 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. and performed with his backing band, the Four Aces. He was He had another hit in 1969, "It Mek," and a year later From a child he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. [3], Dekker continued to release rude boy songs such as "Rude Boy Train" and "Rudie Got Soul", as well as mainstream cultural songs like "It's a Shame", "Wise Man", "Hey Grandma", "Unity", "If It Pays", "Mother's Young Girl", "Sabotage" and "Pretty Africa". 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. Times Genres: Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae. "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. Mr Dekker was born Desmond Dacres on July 16, 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica, and started working life as a welder before turning to singing full-time. Dekker recorded the song again for his 1980 album Black and Dekker. "Israelites" was Dekker's only real hit in the United 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. With a younger generation Jamaican music, and Dekker was at its cutting edge," his celebrity on the island and throughout the Caribbean. Their song "Working on it Night and Day", entered the pop charts in 1973. [2] [2] While at St. Thomas, Dekker embarked on an apprenticeship as a tailor before returning to Kingston, where he became a welder. Early Life A string of hits followed with "Reggae Motion", "Take a Look", "Oh I Miss You", "Call Me Number One", "Be My Baby", and "Sad Sad Song". , May 27, 2006, sec. "[4], The song also deals with a 'rude boy' who after being released from prison continues to commit crime. He died after collapsing from a heart attack at his home in Surrey, England, his manager, Delroy Williams, told Reuters. 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. generations of fans. their ska-inflected hit "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da." and became one of his country's first recording stars to achieve Mr. Dekker was named Desmond Adolphus Dacres when he was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1941. migrating across the Atlantic along with a growing West Indian expatriate 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"). [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). gangsters they saw in Hollywood films. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. died on May 25, 2006, in London, at the age of 63 or 64. [3], Only a single live album was released in the late '80s. best-known songs celebrated the "rude boy" culture, the name I dig you out and you're cool, girl. [3] In 2003 a reissue of The Harder They Come soundtrack featured "Israelites" and "007 (Shanty Town)". 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"). After being re-released in June 1969, the single reached number 7 in the UK Singles Chart. Track listing. The star was divorced with a son and daughter. I was his manager and his best friend. of the biblical era. His fans included the Beatles, who namechecked him in the lyrics to Most recently, it featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 film Vivarium. [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. The Jamaican rhythm of ska had already generated hits in the United States, notably Millie Small's 1964 hit, "My Boy Lollipop." Previously divorced, he was survived by a son and daughter. Musical Born July 16, 1941 Died May 24, 2006 (64) Add or change photo on IMDbPro Add to list Known for Fool's Gold 5.7 "007 (song)" redirects here. Albums include The Harder They Come, The Harder They Come, and Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music. released the song "You Can Get It If You Really Want." His fourth hit, "King of Ska" (backing vocals by The Cherrypies, also known as The Maytals), made him into one of the island's biggest stars. Dekker spent his formative years in Kingston. 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. [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. The song's title is Jamaican patois meaning "that's why" or "that's the reason. Roll Call"). Chicago Tribune 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. The musician's popularity waned in the late '70s and '80s, and Dekker was declared bankrupt in 1984. [2], The disc was released in the UK in March 1969 and was #1 for one week, selling over 250,000 copies. 1969. Mr. Dekker was divorced and is survived by a son and daughter. His workplace singing had drawn the attention of his co-workers, who encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Desmond Dekker passed away. He was preparing to headline The World Music Festival in Prague. [1] Kong employed the group as backing singers for Dekker and they can be heard on the song "Get Up . 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. A few He returned to the British charts with "Sing a Little Song" in 1975. Despite "Israelites" being recorded and released in 1968, the Uni 45 discography shows its cataloguing in 1969. "Honour Your Father and Mother" reached the No. 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. career. Copyright Simbis Inc.All rights reserved. [2][12], Dekker recorded on the Pyramid record label, and when its catalogue was acquired by Cactus Records in 1975, "Israelites" was re-issued in a first-time stereo mix. the Specials considered him their musical hero. [3] Dekker's version uses the same backing track as Cliff's original. Desmond Dekker 5/2006. The 2006 to 2015 line-up for Dekker's backing band, The Aces, who are still performing tribute concerts, includes: This particular line-up also recorded with Dekker on some of his later studio sessions in the 1990s. Times version of ska. [2] The Aces continued to record under their own name (without Dekker) and had a Jamaican hit in 1970 with "Mademoiselle Ninette". The punk era of the late 1970's brought with it an English revival of ska by groups like Madness and the Specials. His 1960's songs used the upbeat ska rhythm, a precursor to reggae also known as bluebeat. The song has appeared in numerous movies and television programs,[14] including the soundtracks of the 1989 American film Drugstore Cowboy and the 2010 British film Made in Dagenham. That same year saw the release of "Beautiful and Dangerous", "Writing on the Wall", "Music Like Dirt (Intensified '68)" (which won the 1968 Jamaica Independence Festival Song Contest), "Bongo Girl" and "Shing a Ling". . 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. The Harder They Come Mr. Kong produced Mr. Dekker's first single, "Honour Thy Father and Mother," in 1963, and it reached No. pioneer Desmond Dekker dominated Jamaica's pop charts in the 1960s, Track Listing - Disc 1 Track Listing - Disc 2 blue highlight denotes track pick And the higher ones wanted to bulldoze the whole thing down and do their own thing and the students said no way. 1 hits in Jamaica. 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. of the world. The artist died on May 25, 2006, of a heart attack at his home in Thorton Heath in the Croydon Borough of London. [4] "007 (Shanty Town)" was a top 15 hit in the UK and his UK concerts were attended by a large following of mods wherever he played. jazz elements, combined with such local forms as calypso and mento and He won the Jamaican Song Festival in 1968 with "Intensified.". ", He added: "People like Desmond Dekker only come along once in a lifetime. UK ska-punk band Sonic Boom Six used a sample of the chorus as the outro to "Rum Little Skallywag". From a very young age he would regularly attend the local church with his grandmother and aunt. Jamaica's post-colonial "The Israelites" reached No. 1 in Britain and made him a household name Desmond Dekker was the first to have hit records outside of Jamaica and his influence on young white British teenagers was pivotal to his success in the 1960s. He was 64. [3], In 1961 he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle), though neither audition was successful. The Aces, originally known as The Four Aces, were a Jamaican vocal group who are best known for their work with Desmond Dekker. [3], Despite achieving a record deal, it was two years before Dekker saw his first record released. Its title and lyrics refer to the cool imagery of films such as the James Bond series and Ocean's 11, admired by "rudies". By the time I got home, it was complete. The song would return to the British charts in 1975 and was reissued as a single after being used in a commercial for Maxell recording tape in 1990. The characterised by a fast, metronomic tempo and a strongly accented "I was telling people not to give up as things will get better," he said in a interview last year for the Set the Tone 67 Web site. The song was his only United States hit, but it was a turning point for Jamaican music among international listeners. [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. Photo Highlights: Protoje takes Hope Gardens A Matter of Time Live, The Top 100 Reggae Songs From 1962 2017. 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. He was also a songwriter and a musician as well. The British hitmaker Robert Palmer produced Mr. Dekker's next album, "Compass Point," in 1981. Singer. Ska legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager said today. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 - 25 May 2006) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. charts in the United States, and opened the ears of the world to the music Desmond Dekker, the Jamaican singer whose 1969 hit, "The Israelites," opened up a worldwide audience for reggae, died on Wednesday. Dekker still performed regularly, and gave what would be his final concert 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. Mr Dekker, who was divorced with a son and a daughter, played his last gig at Leeds University on May 11. hotspot in 2005, "which was almost completely people under [7], "007" was Dekker's first international hit. years earlier, when both worked as welders in Kingston, and Dekker ", 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 saw him live dozens of times and he couldn't do a bad show - he was always magnificent.". Israelites 2. But his success started to wane by the end of the 70s and early 80s and he was declared bankrupt in 1984. It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far. 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 . It was his workmates who first noted his vocal talents, as the youngster sang around the workshop. But a new version of Israelites was released in 1990 and used in television commercials, boosting the star's popularity. Dekker's next album, Compass Point (1981), was produced by Robert Palmer. He died after collapsing from a heart attack at. 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)". 9 in the United States in 1969. This was followed by the release of the tracks "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning". He was 64. 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 two had met 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. [1] Little more was heard from the group until 1982 when they released "One Way Street". Many of his stopped. 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. He was renowned for his earliest reggae hit internationally 'Israelites.' He died at the age of Sixty Four years. May 25, 2006 - Desmond Dekker was born Desmond Adolphus Dacres on July 16th 1941 in Saint Andrew Parrish, Kingston, Jamaica. teens had found work as a welder. He was a Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae singer. Photo Courtesy:Desmond Dekker Reggae Facebook. I was his manager and his best friend, I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far.". 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 Israelites" was the peak of Mr. Dekker's extensive career, selling more than a million copies worldwide. [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom.[2]. 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. [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". international hit. , May 27, 2006, p. B17; [1] The group came to the attention of Dekker, who supported them when they auditioned for Leslie Kong at Beverley's studio in 1965. [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom. The 64-year-old Jamaican, best known for his 1969 smash hit Israelites, collapsed at his home in Surrey yesterday morning. Stock Photos from Photos.com, iStockPhotos.com, 123rf. Singer. in Leeds just two weeks before his death. His mother had passed away from a young age. 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]. Search instead in Creative? But while Mr. Dekker kept up a busy performing career, the death of Mr. Kong in 1971 ended his streak of hits. Ostensibly a reissue of his 1969 U.K. LP of 1966-1968 recordings, which had . He lived for his music and his children. of London obituary noted. [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. The 2016 - current line up of musicians for Desmond Dekker's band the Aces featuring Delroy Williams & Guests. Dekker spent his early formative years in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. 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. 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. Incudes 'Israelites', '007 (Shanty Town)', 'It Miek', 'You Can Get It If You Really Want' and 'Sing a Litte Song'. (London), May 27, 2006, p. 70; Photograph: PA. Mr. Dekker's songs were rediscovered, and he was signed by Madness's label, Stiff Records. [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. "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not," he said. He moved to the UK in the '70s, later recording the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. Desmond Dekker. It Mek 7. [2] It spent eleven weeks in the UK chart, and by September 1970 had sold over a million copies worldwide. 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. reached No. 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. 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. in 1980, and A string of Jamaican hits followed, including "It Pays," "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning." 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. Three years later, Mr. Dekker had his first British Top 20 hit with "007 (Shanty Town)," a tale of rude-boy ghetto violence "Dem a loot, dem a shoot, dem a wail" sung in a thick patois, which Americans would hear later as part of the soundtrack to the film "The Harder They Come" in 1972. sold millions of copies, became the first purely Jamaican song to top the Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 25 May 2006)[1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. Los Angeles Times Potentially because of this usage, the song charted again, entering the Billboard Digital Reggae Song Sales Chart at #2.[15]. [9] Desmond headlined Jools Holland's 2003 Annual Hootenanny. of the island," wrote [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]. I related to those things and began to sing a little song: 'You get up in the morning and you're slaving for bread.' the film introduced Jamaica's vibrant musical culture to the rest By 1970 Dekker was living in England, but still worked steadily with Kong. Los Angeles Times This is one of the pioneers that has passed away - his place is definitely cemented in reggae history.". Other hits include "007", "It Mek" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want". For the secondary James Bond theme, see, O'Brien Chang, Kevin & Chen, Wayne (1998), Soundtrack for the ages: 40 Years of Harder They Come, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=007_(Shanty_Town)&oldid=1099693912, This page was last edited on 22 July 2022, at 03:53. 1 in Britain and No. Desmond Dekker unleashed a flood of fine singles across the '60s and early '70s, all under the aegis of producer Leslie Kong.Taking a chance on an untried youngster barely into his teens, who'd already been shown the door by Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid, Kong nurtured Dekker to international stardom, only to die suddenly in 1971, two years after the singer's breakthrough.