This Is Desmond Dekkar Review. Mr. Dekker had a total of 20 No. Incudes 'Israelites', '007 (Shanty Town)', 'It Miek', 'You Can Get It If You Really Want' and 'Sing a Litte Song'. Born Desmond Adolphus Dacres, July 16, c. 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica; died of a heart attack, May 25, 2006, in London, England. Two [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). 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. 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. 1 in Jamaica. The vocal melody is syncopated and is centred on the tone of B flat. "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. 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 . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [9] Desmond headlined Jools Holland's 2003 Annual Hootenanny. 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). [1] Little more was heard from the group until 1982 when they released "One Way Street". 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). The Aces, originally known as The Four Aces, were a Jamaican vocal group who are best known for their work with Desmond Dekker. But that song was treated as a novelty. and became one of his country's first recording stars to achieve 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. 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. [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 Israelites" reached No. "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. 15 on the British charts. [2], The disc was released in the UK in March 1969 and was #1 for one week, selling over 250,000 copies. The Jamaican rhythm of ska had already generated hits in the United States, notably Millie Small's 1964 hit, "My Boy Lollipop." In 1980, Dekker released a new recording of the song on UK label Stiff Records, performed in an uptempo Two Tone style. Left to earn a living on his own, he apprenticed as a welder. The unsigned vocalist then auditioned for Leslie Kong's Beverley's record label and was awarded his first recording contract. The 2016 - current line up of musicians for Desmond Dekker's band the Aces featuring Delroy Williams & Guests. On the 22 August 1970 edition of American top 40, Casey Kasem claimed that Dekker had more than 40 #1 records in Jamaica. Despite declining sales, Dekker remained a popular live performer and continued to tour with The Rumour. It's Not Easy 3. His first contract was with Leslie Kongs Beverleys label. "The Israelites," with its biblical imagery of suffering and redemption, showed the world reggae's combination of danceable rhythm and serious, sometimes spiritual intentions. [3], In 1961 he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle), though neither audition was successful. [2] While at St. Thomas, Dekker embarked on an apprenticeship as a tailor before returning to Kingston, where he became a welder. Born Desmond Adolphus Dacres, July 16, c. 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica; died At the time of his death, he was preparing as the headliner of a world music festival in Prague. 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"). 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)". 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. "[4], The song also deals with a 'rude boy' who after being released from prison continues to commit crime. Mr. Dekker's songs were rediscovered, and he was signed by Madness's label, Stiff Records. Problems 9. A . His mother had passed away from a young age. He died after collapsing from a heart attack at his home in Surrey, England, his manager, Delroy Williams, told Reuters. migrating across the Atlantic along with a growing West Indian expatriate Too Much Too Soon 6. be eclipsed by another Jamaican, reggae artist Bob Marley. The British hitmaker Robert Palmer produced Mr. Dekker's next album, "Compass Point," in 1981. "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not," he said. Dekker was the first Jamaican artist to have a hit record in the US with Jamaican-style music. With "The Israelites," released in Jamaica in December 1968, Mr. Dekker had an international impact. 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 . And the higher ones wanted to bulldoze the whole thing down and do their own thing and the students said no way. He had 10 studio albums, 25 compilation albums, and 47 singles during his career. suffering even after independence from Britain. [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. Orphaned at an early age, he was sent to live in a 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. "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. Desmond Dekker. It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. of the biblical era. [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". Showing Editorial results for desmond dekker. characterised by a fast, metronomic tempo and a strongly accented Intensified 4. 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. My Father lived with his Grandmother along with his Father in Kingston. Desmond Dekker was born on 16 July 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1975 "Israelites" was re-released and became a UK top 10 hit for a second time. Mr. Kong produced Mr. Dekker's first single, "Honour Thy Father and Mother," in 1963, and it reached No. 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's next album, Compass Point (1981), was produced by Robert Palmer. of London obituary noted. an ex-wife and a son and daughter, but Dekker was mourned by several [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". in 1980, and [2] The Aces continued to record under their own name (without Dekker) and had a Jamaican hit in 1970 with "Mademoiselle Ninette". Dekker recorded the song again for his 1980 album Black and Dekker. The 64-year-old Jamaican, best known for his 1969 smash hit Israelites, collapsed at his home in Surrey yesterday morning. He moved to the UK in the 70s and recorded the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. 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. given to Kingston's tough urban youth who modeled themselves on the more rural part of the island, but returned to Kingston and by his late "[8] The title has been the source of speculation,[9] but most settle on the Rastafarian Movement's association with the Twelve Tribes of Israel. there. Chicago Tribune But a new version of Israelites was released in 1990 and used in television commercials, boosting the star's popularity. Dekker, whose 1969 hit Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts, collapsed at his Surrey home. He was already a major star in Jamaica and well known in Britain. Early Life [1] Kong employed the group as backing singers for Dekker and they can be heard on the song "Get Up . Singer. Their song "Working on it Night and Day", entered the pop charts in 1973. 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. 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". 1 in Britain and No. 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 Together with his backing group The Aces, he had one of the earliest international reggae hits with "Israelites". gangsters they saw in Hollywood films. Dekker was responsible for bringing Bob Marleys talents to the attention of Kong and the two had several successful collaborations. 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. He was States, but it reached No. Tips of My Fingers 5. It was taken from an album of similar re-recordings of his old hits, Black & Dekker. But in 1984 Mr. Dekker declared bankruptcy, blaming his former manager. His 1980 album, "Black and Dekker," featured members of a venerable Jamaican band, the Pioneers, and Graham Parker's band, the Rumour. expressed in the growth of ska, a mix of imported rhythm and blues and Search instead in Creative? career, "Israelites," was released in December of 1968 and [7], "007" was Dekker's first international hit. 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. 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. Track listing. In 1970 Dekker released "You Can Get It If You Really Want", written by Jimmy Cliff, which reached No. It took two years before Kong let Dekker record a song, and when he did, Mr. Dekker was named Desmond Adolphus Dacres when he was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1941. "Isrealites" lyrics have long been obscure, but, with the wonder of the internet are now easily available and I have. Los Angeles Times Join our newsletter to get the latest articles, news, & videos. The initial line-up of The Aces consisted of Clive Campbell, Barry Howard, Carl Howard, and Patrick Howard. The obituary was featured in Legacy on May 26, 2006. Black and Dekker 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. [3], The new group recorded a number of Jamaican hits, including "Parents", "Get Up Edina", "This Woman" and "Mount Zion". years earlier, when both worked as welders in Kingston, and Dekker "I saw him live dozens of times and he couldn't do a bad show - he was always magnificent.". in Leeds just two weeks before his death. "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. Desmond Dekker, who brought the sound of Jamaican ska to the world with songs such as "Israelites," has died, his manager said Friday. 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. The music began A string of Jamaican hits followed, including "It Pays," "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning." journalist Jocelyn Y. Stewart. 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. Desmond Dekker 5/2006. "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. The Copyright Simbis Inc.All rights reserved. Steffens told Stewart in the View history " 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He was a composer, known for Fool's Gold (2008), Idiocracy (2006) and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008). [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. 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. Dekker spent his early formative years in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. He was renowned for his earliest reggae hit internationally 'Israelites.' He died at the age of Sixty Four years. She was saying she needs money and he was saying the work he was doing was not giving him enough. He died on 24 May 2006 in Thornton Heath, London, England, UK. 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. 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. a year later. [3] 1969 saw the release of "It Mek", which became a hit both in Jamaica and the UK. his music thanks to Later that decade, however, there was a revival of interest in He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe during the summer. "When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not. 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. 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. stopped. 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. Desmond Dekker, 64, Pioneer of Jamaican Music, Dies, https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/27/arts/music/27dekker.html. Meanwhile, Dekker spotted the talent of Bob Marley, a fellow welder, and brought the youth to Kong's attention. View their obituary at Legacy.com Reggae singer Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, aged 64. [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. Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". The two had met New York Times Dekker was initially reluctant to record the track but was eventually persuaded to do so by Leslie Kong. Desmond Dekker performing at London's Brixton Academy in 1985. [3] Despite this, the single was the first UK reggae #1 and among the first to reach the US top ten (peaking at #9). Despite "Israelites" being recorded and released in 1968, the Uni 45 discography shows its cataloguing in 1969. Mr. Dekker was divorced and is survived by a son and daughter. Ironically although he went to worldwide fame his former welding colleague Marley never had a UK number one. [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 (16 July 1941 - 25 May 2006) [1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. , May 30, 2006, p. B7. I related to those things and began to sing a little song: 'You get up in the morning and you're slaving for bread.' "Israelites" is a song written by Desmond Dekker and Leslie Kong that became a hit for Dekker's group, Desmond Dekker & The Aces,[2] reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries in 1969. From a young age he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. [3] Dekker's version uses the same backing track as Cliff's original. Desmond Adolphus Dacres - Born in Saint Andrew Parish Kingston Jamaica 16th July 1941. [2] The single featured Roland Alphonso's "El Torro" on the B-side.[2]. An instrumental figure in the development of ska and its slightly mellower cousin, rocksteady, Dekker was also one the first reggae performers to break big in the U.K., laying the groundwork for that country's late 1970s 2 Tone movement. He also collaborated on a remix of "Israelites" with reggae artist Apache Indian. The song was his only United States hit, but it was a turning point for Jamaican music among international listeners. 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. Desmond Adolphus Dacres was born in Saint Andrew Parish (Greater Kingston), Jamaica, on 16 July 1941. Singer. ", He added: "People like Desmond Dekker only come along once in a lifetime. He often sang on the job, which prompted But while Mr. Dekker kept up a busy performing career, the death of Mr. Kong in 1971 ended his streak of hits. 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 The musician's popularity waned in the late '70s and '80s, and Dekker was declared bankrupt in 1984. 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. sold millions of copies, became the first purely Jamaican song to top the Several more hits followed, and Dekker became a major Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 - 25 May 2006) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. tribute, was evident in a sold-out show Dekker played at a Hollywood 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. and performed with his backing band, the Four Aces. He was 64. "Honour Your Father and Mother" reached the No. Israelites 2. Track Listing - Disc 1 Track Listing - Disc 2 blue highlight denotes track pick Dekker was divorced and was survived by his son and daughter.[14]. I was his manager and his best friend, I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far.". A global million sales was reported in June 1969. "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. 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. 1 spot on Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. the Specials considered him their musical hero. Desmond Dekker 1. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. , May 27, 2006, sec. Jamaican singer and musician, Desmond Dekker pictured wearing white trousers and a white cowl neck tunic and sitting on a stool circa 1969. It was his workmates who first noted his vocal talents, as the youngster sang around the workshop. Dekker was a native of Kingston, Jamaica's capital, where he was ", Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Unflagging performer Desmond Dekker. The most successful track of his Ska legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager said today. Previously divorced, he was survived by a son and daughter. [2] made it into the Top Ten on the U.S. singles chart the following year. The star was divorced with a son and daughter. He suffered a heart attack and of musicians and producers Dekker cut two more albums, [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. "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. "independence in 1962 had bestowed a new cultural confidence, He was 64. 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. He continued to tour regularly; his final concert was on May 11 at Leeds University. His 1960's songs used the upbeat ska rhythm, a precursor to reggae also known as bluebeat. A few This is one of the pioneers that has passed away - his place is definitely cemented in reggae history.". [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. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 25 May 2006)[1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. ", 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. "007 (song)" redirects here. His lyrics drew which Dekker admitted was the result of a swindle by his former manager. [1] The group came to the attention of Dekker, who supported them when they auditioned for Leslie Kong at Beverley's studio in 1965. Ska legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager said today. From a very young age he would regularly attend the local church with his grandmother and aunt. [10], In 1969 Dekker took permanent residency in the UK. Times He died after collapsing from a heart attack at. [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]. This early religious upbringing, as well as Dekker's enjoyment of singing hymns, led to a lifelong religious commitment.
Episcopal High School Lawsuit, Antioch University Los Angeles Notable Alumni, Homes For Sale In Kensington, Ct, Articles D