Dekker recorded the song again for his 1980 album Black and Dekker. His first contract was with Leslie Kongs Beverleys label. Mr. Dekker's songs were rediscovered, and he was signed by Madness's label, Stiff Records. UK reissue of this two CD collection by the Reggae/Ska legend. Desmond Dekker passed away. [11] In 1984 he was declared bankrupt. The artist took a permanent residency in the UK in 1969. When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. [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]. It was during this period that Desmond Dacres adopted the stage-name of Desmond Dekker. [11] In June 1969 it reached the Top Ten in the United States, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. "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. stopped. He lived for his music and his children. [2] The single featured Roland Alphonso's "El Torro" on the B-side.[2]. After being re-released in June 1969, the single reached number 7 in the UK Singles Chart. 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. His fans included the Beatles, who namechecked him in the lyrics to He was 64. The punk era of the late 1970's brought with it an English revival of ska by groups like Madness and the Specials. Its title and lyrics refer to the cool imagery of films such as the James Bond series and Ocean's 11, admired by "rudies". 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". [9] Desmond headlined Jools Holland's 2003 Annual Hootenanny. "[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." The two had met 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". 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. generations of fans. 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. 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). [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. The song is a lament of this condition. Ironically although he went to worldwide fame his former welding colleague Marley never had a UK number one. His 1960's songs used the upbeat ska rhythm, a precursor to reggae also known as bluebeat. "They know all the words to his songs, Steffens told Stewart in the [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom.[2]. Together with his backing group The Aces, he had one of the earliest international reggae hits with "Israelites". [1] The group came to the attention of Dekker, who supported them when they auditioned for Leslie Kong at Beverley's studio in 1965. In 1993, the Specials reunited and backed up Mr. Dekker on the album "King of Kings," with remakes of ska hits. He was preparing to headline The World Music Festival in Prague. Dekker was initially reluctant to record the track but was eventually persuaded to do so by Leslie Kong. Too Much Too Soon 6. his music thanks to In 1975 "Israelites" was re-released and became a UK top 10 hit for a second time. Dekker, whose 1969 hit Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts, collapsed at his Surrey home. "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. 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 spent his early formative years in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. 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. [9][10] Ethnomusicologist Michael Veal identifies "007 (Shanty Town)" as one of the songs that demonstrated the viability of Jamaican music in England.[11]. [2] It spent eleven weeks in the UK chart, and by September 1970 had sold over a million copies worldwide. 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. Showing Editorial results for desmond dekker. Along with Bob . A global million sales was reported in June 1969. Track Listing - Disc 1 Track Listing - Disc 2 blue highlight denotes track pick On November 3, 2019, "Israelites" was prominently featured in the third episode of HBO's Watchmen. Dekker, who lived in England, co He collaborated with the Specials on the 1993 album, King of Kings, which was released under Desmond Dekker and the Specials. It hit #1 in the United Kingdom,[12] the Netherlands, Jamaica, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and West Germany. Los Angeles Times "It was an exciting time in 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. sold millions of copies, became the first purely Jamaican song to top the [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". 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. Jamaica's post-colonial the Specials considered him their musical hero. Intensified 4. 1 in Britain and made him a household name Dekker's trademark falsetto, singing lyrics in a Mr. Dekker was divorced and is survived by a son and daughter. considered the genre's first genuine star, but his fame would later May 25, 2006 - Desmond Dekker was born Desmond Adolphus Dacres on July 16th 1941 in Saint Andrew Parrish, Kingston, Jamaica. released the song "You Can Get It If You Really Want." The Top 14 Jamaican Recipes Searched for by Canadians. [10], In 1969 Dekker took permanent residency in the UK. "I saw him live dozens of times and he couldn't do a bad show - he was always magnificent.". He died on 24 May 2006 in Thornton Heath, London, England, UK. The most successful track of his The star was divorced with a son and daughter. Me said a it mek - mek you pop yu bitta gall. States, but it reached No. of the island," wrote "When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". Born Desmond Dacres in Kingston, Jamaica on July 16, 1942, the star-to-be was orphaned in his teens. I was his manager and his best friend, I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far.". Rock it to me, children. 9 in the United States in 1969. I was his manager and his best friend. [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". Despite "Israelites" being recorded and released in 1968, the Uni 45 discography shows its cataloguing in 1969. Rude. migrating across the Atlantic along with a growing West Indian expatriate By 1971 the line-up had changed again, with Barry Howard now rejoined by Carl Hall. producers turned him down before Leslie Kong signed Dekker to his label in more rural part of the island, but returned to Kingston and by his late journalist Jocelyn Y. Stewart. A man of many talents, Desmond Adolphus Dacres, a.k.a. He was 64. Privacy Policy & Terms of use. And it just get out of controlIs just a typical riot 'cause I say - Them a loot, them a shoot, them a wail. [2] Dekker composed the song after overhearing an argument: "I was walking in the park, eating popcorn. [1] The group came to the attention of Dekker, who supported them when they auditioned for Leslie Kong at Beverley's studio in 1965. Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. The comeback failed to save him from bankruptcy in 1984, even the most obscure ones.". Dekker's next album, Compass Point (1981), was produced by Robert Palmer. Photo Highlights: Protoje takes Hope Gardens A Matter of Time Live, The Top 100 Reggae Songs From 1962 2017. He was also a songwriter and a musician as well. ", Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Unflagging performer Desmond Dekker. in Leeds just two weeks before his death. It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. With a younger generation 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. "It is such a shock, I don't think I will ever get over this," he said. [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 also collaborated on a remix of "Israelites" with reggae artist Apache Indian. best-known songs celebrated the "rude boy" culture, the name He was 64. Dekker soon garnered a wider audience with his songs, which were recorded 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 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. The Harder They Come When Kong died in 1971, Dekker's career faltered, and the hits UK ska-punk band Sonic Boom Six used a sample of the chorus as the outro to "Rum Little Skallywag". ", He added: "People like Desmond Dekker only come along once in a lifetime. [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". It's Not Easy 3. Mr. Kong produced Mr. Dekker's first single, "Honour Thy Father and Mother," in 1963, and it reached No. From a child he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. Singer. 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. His last concert was at Leeds Metropolitan University on 11 May. My Father lived with his Grandmother along with his Father in Kingston. tribute, was evident in a sold-out show Dekker played at a Hollywood Desmond Dekker 5/2006. 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. Mr. Dekker had a total of 20 No. Dekker spent his formative years in Kingston. [2] The Aces continued to record under their own name (without Dekker) and had a Jamaican hit in 1970 with "Mademoiselle Ninette". The 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. which Dekker admitted was the result of a swindle by his former manager. 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"). Los Angeles Times 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 . What sweet nanny goat a go run him belly good. The singer and songwriter, whose 1969 . He continued to tour regularly; his final concert was on May 11 at Leeds University. And the higher ones wanted to bulldoze the whole thing down and do their own thing and the students said no way. made it into the Top Ten on the U.S. singles chart the following year. He moved to the UK in the 70s and recorded the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. "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. But that song was treated as a novelty. "The Israelites" reached No. suffering even after independence from Britain. pioneer Desmond Dekker dominated Jamaica's pop charts in the 1960s, On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. 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 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. [2] While at St. Thomas, Dekker embarked on an apprenticeship as a tailor before returning to Kingston, where he became a welder. "Isrealites" lyrics have long been obscure, but, with the wonder of the internet are now easily available and I have. "independence in 1962 had bestowed a new cultural confidence, and became one of his country's first recording stars to achieve He won the Jamaican Song Festival in 1968 with "Intensified.". Photograph: PA. [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.