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. Its title and lyrics refer to the cool imagery of films such as the James Bond series and Ocean's 11, admired by "rudies". community, and in 1967 his song "0.0.7 (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]. 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". 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. The unsigned vocalist then auditioned for Leslie Kong's Beverley's record label and was awarded his first recording contract. Dekker, whose 1969 hit Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts, collapsed at his Surrey home. He had 10 studio albums, 25 compilation albums, and 47 singles during his career. Several more hits followed, and Dekker became a major Singer. 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). [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom. By the time I got home, it was complete. [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. The musician's popularity waned in the late '70s and '80s, and Dekker was declared bankrupt in 1984. At the time of his death, he was preparing as the headliner of a world music festival in Prague. given to Kingston's tough urban youth who modeled themselves on the the Specials considered him their musical hero. lament, whose lyrics Dekker had written in his head while walking in a The obituary was featured in Legacy on May 26, 2006. The rhythm had been featured by Anthony B in 2008 on The Pow Pow Trilogy, ("Time For The Love"). [2] The Aces continued to record under their own name (without Dekker) and had a Jamaican hit in 1970 with "Mademoiselle Ninette". A man of many talents, Desmond Adolphus Dacres, a.k.a. Mr. Dekker was named Desmond Adolphus Dacres when he was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1941. comparisons between Jamaica's poor and the beleaguered Israelites Orphaned at an early age, he was sent to live in a 15 on the British charts. [3], Despite achieving a record deal, it was two years before Dekker saw his first record released. Mr. Kong produced Mr. Dekker's first single, "Honour Thy Father and Mother," in 1963, and it reached No. Eventually in 1963 Kong chose "Honour Your Mother and Father" (written by Dekker and the song that Dekker had sung in his Kong audition two years earlier), which became a Jamaican hit and established Dekker's musical career. "I saw him live dozens of times and he couldn't do a bad show - he was always magnificent.". producers turned him down before Leslie Kong signed Dekker to his label in tribute, was evident in a sold-out show Dekker played at a Hollywood Chicago Tribune Track listing. The punk era of the late 1970's brought with it an English revival of ska by groups like Madness and the Specials. 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"). The artist took a permanent residency in the UK in 1969. He lived for his music and his children. In 2000 he released the album "Halfway to Paradise." "Israelites" brought a Jamaican beat to the British top 40 for the first time since Dekker's #14 hit "007 (Shanty Town)" in 1967. sold millions of copies, became the first purely Jamaican song to top the 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). 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 also a songwriter and a musician as well. suffering even after independence from Britain. His lyrics drew In 1980, Dekker released a new recording of the song on UK label Stiff Records, performed in an uptempo Two Tone style. The Aces, originally known as The Four Aces, were a Jamaican vocal group who are best known for their work with Desmond Dekker. a year later. From a young age he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. "Isrealites" lyrics have long been obscure, but, with the wonder of the internet are now easily available and I have. The initial line-up of The Aces consisted of Clive Campbell, Barry Howard, Carl Howard, and Patrick Howard. of the island," wrote He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe during the summer. Dekker soon garnered a wider audience with his songs, which were recorded Copyright Simbis Inc.All rights reserved. [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". 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)". Born Desmond Dacres in Kingston, Jamaica on July 16, 1942, the star-to-be was orphaned in his teens. [3], In 1961 he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle), though neither audition was successful. "[4], The song also deals with a 'rude boy' who after being released from prison continues to commit crime. New York Times Los Angeles Times "[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." Photo Courtesy:Desmond Dekker Reggae Facebook. 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. He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe . of musicians and producers Dekker cut two more albums, States, but it reached No. the film introduced Jamaica's vibrant musical culture to the rest The 2016 - current line up of musicians for Desmond Dekker's band the Aces featuring Delroy Williams & Guests. "Honour Your Father and Mother" reached the No. It was his workmates who first noted his vocal talents, as the youngster sang around the workshop. Nincom Poop 8. Stock Photos from Photos.com, iStockPhotos.com, 123rf. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 25 May 2006)[1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 - 25 May 2006) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. Search instead in Creative? [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. This Is Desmond Dekkar Review. 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 chords of the guitar accompaniment are played on the offbeat and move through the tonic chord [B flat], the subdominant [E flat], the dominant [F], and the occasional [D flat],[5] viz, [B flat] - [E flat] - [F] - [B flat] - [D flat]. 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. It hit #1 in the United Kingdom,[12] the Netherlands, Jamaica, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and West Germany. Times their ska-inflected hit "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da." When Kong died in 1971, Dekker's career faltered, and the hits The Jamaican rhythm of ska had already generated hits in the United States, notably Millie Small's 1964 hit, "My Boy Lollipop." Mr Williams said Dekker had led the way for reggae stars such as Bob Marley. which Dekker admitted was the result of a swindle by his former manager. Most recently, it featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 film Vivarium. "The Israelites" was the peak of Mr. Dekker's extensive career, selling more than a million copies worldwide. He moved to the UK in the 70s and recorded the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. in Leeds just two weeks before his death. hotspot in 2005, "which was almost completely people under [5] Many of the hits from this era came from his debut album, 007 (Shanty Town). [11] In June 1969 it reached the Top Ten in the United States, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. He collaborated with the Specials on the 1993 album, King of Kings, which was released under Desmond Dekker and the Specials. died on May 25, 2006, in London, at the age of 63 or 64. From a very young age he would regularly attend the local church with his grandmother and aunt. Photograph: PA. Dekker was responsible for bringing Bob Marleys talents to the attention of Kong and the two had several successful collaborations. "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. Other hits include "007 (Shanty Town)" (1967), "It Mek" (1969) and "You Can Get It If You Really Want" (1970). "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. [3] Dekker's version uses the same backing track as Cliff's original. He returned to the British charts with "Sing a Little Song" in 1975. Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. I told you once and I told you twice. Dekker's next album, Compass Point (1981), was produced by Robert Palmer. Compass Point "It was an exciting time in The comeback failed to save him from bankruptcy in 1984, "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not. He was 64. Following his mother's death, he moved to the parish of St. Mary and later to St. He was renowned for his earliest reggae hit internationally 'Israelites.' He died at the age of Sixty Four years. jazz elements, combined with such local forms as calypso and mento and He was preparing to headline The World Music Festival in Prague. "[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. He died after collapsing from a heart attack at. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. and became one of his country's first recording stars to achieve This early religious upbringing, as well as Dekker's enjoyment of singing hymns, led to a lifelong religious commitment. , May 27, 2006, p. A11; He died on 24 May 2006 in Thornton Heath, London, England, UK. Desmond Dekker. Dekker still performed regularly, and gave what would be his final concert When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". Los Angeles Times [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. Mr Dekker, who was divorced with a son and a daughter, played his last gig at Leeds University on May 11. The most successful track of his Desmond Dekker, 64, Pioneer of Jamaican Music, Dies, https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/27/arts/music/27dekker.html. 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. [3] In 2003 a reissue of The Harder They Come soundtrack featured "Israelites" and "007 (Shanty Town)". 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. [2] The single featured Roland Alphonso's "El Torro" on the B-side.[2]. 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. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for TROJAN DUB MASSIVE CHAPTER TWO 2 CD REGGAE SKA ROOTS DESMOND DECKER 40th lp 45 at the best online prices at eBay! 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. characterised by a fast, metronomic tempo and a strongly accented an ex-wife and a son and daughter, but Dekker was mourned by several "Honour Thy Father and Mother" was released in Britain in 1964 on Chris Blackwell's Island label, which would later release Bob Marley's albums. Photo Highlights: Protoje takes Hope Gardens A Matter of Time Live, The Top 100 Reggae Songs From 1962 2017. But his success started to wane by the end of the 70s and early 80s and he was declared bankrupt in 1984. Dekker spent his formative years in Kingston. in 1980, and 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 . [1] Kong employed the group as backing singers for Dekker and they can be heard on the song "Get Up . 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". Jamaican singer and musician, Desmond Dekker pictured wearing white trousers and a white cowl neck tunic and sitting on a stool circa 1969. 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. He suffered a heart attack and [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom.[2]. 1 hits in Jamaica. 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. Times [9][10] Ethnomusicologist Michael Veal identifies "007 (Shanty Town)" as one of the songs that demonstrated the viability of Jamaican music in England.[11]. He found fame with his band Desmond Dekker and the Aces - their international hit Israelites topped the UK charts and made the top 10 in the US. I was his manager and his best friend, I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far.". more rural part of the island, but returned to Kingston and by his late [3], Only a single live album was released in the late '80s. Too Much Too Soon 6. His 1980 album, "Black and Dekker," featured members of a venerable Jamaican band, the Pioneers, and Graham Parker's band, the Rumour. [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. The vocal melody is syncopated and is centred on the tone of B flat. He briefly had an apprenticeship as a tailor before working as a welder. Desmond Dekker, the Jamaican singer whose 1969 hit, "The Israelites," opened up a worldwide audience for reggae, died on Wednesday. It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. Genres: Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae. Rude. 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. 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. 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. 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. I was his manager and his best friend. The song's title is Jamaican patois meaning "that's why" or "that's the reason. ", He added: "I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye properly.". be eclipsed by another Jamaican, reggae artist Bob Marley. [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. 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. It was during this period that Desmond Dacres adopted the stage-name of Desmond Dekker. [2], The disc was released in the UK in March 1969 and was #1 for one week, selling over 250,000 copies. 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. stopped.