Desmond Dekker | Artist

Desmond Adolphus Dacres aka Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician born 1941 in St Andrew Parish, Jamaica. Together with his backing group The Aces, he had one of the earliest international reggae hits with "Israelites" in 1968. Other hits include "007", "It Miek" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want", which featured on the soundtrack of 1972 film The Harder They Come. The formed welder got his first break when he auditioned for Lesley Kong's Beverly's record label and was awarded a recording contract. Dekker spotted the talent of a fellow welder Bob Marley, and brought the youth to Kong's attention. Marley retained gratitude and respect for Dekker for the rest of his life. Dekker's first hit "007 (Shanty Town)" reflected the violence and social problems associated with ghetto life, and resonated with Kingston's so-called "rude boys" 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 UK's mod scene. In 1968 Dekker's "Israelites" was released, topping the UK Singles Chart in April 1969 and making the Top Ten of the US Billboard Hot 100 in June 1969. Dekker was the first Jamaican artist to have a hit record in the US. He went on to release many more hit singles and albums, and in the '80s, at the height of the 2-Tone ska revival, signed with UK's Stiff Records and worked with The Specials and Graham Parker & The Rumour. Standout Desmond Dekker & The Aces albums include 007 Shanty Town, Action!, Intensified, The Israelites and This is Desmond Dekker.

Artist Website: desmonddekker.com

Featured Albums: Desmond Dekker

Related Artists: Desmond Dekker & The Aces, The Specials, Bob Marley