"The Israelites," with its biblical imagery of suffering and redemption, showed the world reggae's combination of danceable rhythm and serious, sometimes spiritual intentions. Jamaican Ska Star Desmond Dekker Dies - Billboard Chicago Tribune Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. "Israelites" was Dekker's only real hit in the United [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]. 1972 film 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. there. 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! Their song "Working on it Night and Day", entered the pop charts in 1973. of a heart attack, May 25, 2006, in London, England. The musician's popularity waned in the late '70s and '80s, and Dekker was declared bankrupt in 1984. [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". [7], "007" was Dekker's first international hit. of the biblical era. Desmond Dekker, who brought the sound of Jamaican ska to the world with songs such as "Israelites," has died, his manager said Friday. It was his workmates who first noted his vocal talents, as the youngster sang around the workshop. He moved to the UK in the '70s, later recording the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. The song is a lament of this condition. 1961. "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. Dekker was instrumental in popularizing the rude boy subculture, highlighting Jamaican ghetto life with 007 (Shanty Town), that became a working-class anthem for those in Jamaica and the United Kingdom. He was It was taken from an album of similar re-recordings of his old hits, Black & Dekker. 1 spot on An energetic live performer, he was about to start a European summer tour and was booked to play in Prague next week. Dekker was initially reluctant to record the track but was eventually persuaded to do so by Leslie Kong. Dekker was the first Jamaican artist to have a hit record in the US with Jamaican-style music. 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]. teens had found work as a welder. 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"). lament, whose lyrics Dekker had written in his head while walking in a When Kong died in 1971, Dekker's career faltered, and the hits He moved to the UK in the 70s and recorded the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. producers turned him down before Leslie Kong signed Dekker to his label in On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Desmond Dekker 5/2006. Compass Point Copyright Simbis Inc.All rights reserved. His workplace singing had drawn the attention of his co-workers, who encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Desmond Dekker passed away. Desmond Dekker 1. [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". 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. 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. 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. The 7 Breakfast Dishes Every Jamaican Should Know How Jamaican Men Say Thank You to another Jamaican How Jamaicans Greet You When They Have Not Seen You 20 English Words That Sound Better In Jamaican Patois. Jamaican Spiced Easter Bun Recipe: Kerri-Anns 9 Side Dishes Jamaicans Serve with Jerk Chicken, The 6 Soups Every Jamaican Should Know How to Cook. [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. 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). celebrity on the island and throughout the Caribbean. 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. , May 27, 2006, p. B17; of the world. Israelites 2. wider renown. This Is Desmond Dekkar Review. The artist took a permanent residency in the UK in 1969. I was his manager and his best friend. [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. 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. "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. "The Israelites" reached No. 2, p. 11; journalist Jocelyn Y. Stewart. Mr Dekker, who was divorced with a son and a daughter, played his last gig at Leeds University on May 11. He died peacefully but it still hurts. 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. "I saw him live dozens of times and he couldn't do a bad show - he was always magnificent.". The vocal melody is syncopated and is centred on the tone of B flat. He had 10 studio albums, 25 compilation albums, and 47 singles during his career. Dekker had also begun working on new material with the production duo Bruce Anthony in 1974. 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. , May 27, 2006, sec. [2] A gold record was presented by Ember Records, the distributors of Dekker's recordings.[2]. "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. tribute, was evident in a sold-out show Dekker played at a Hollywood given to Kingston's tough urban youth who modeled themselves on the "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. On the 22 August 1970 edition of American top 40, Casey Kasem claimed that Dekker had more than 40 #1 records in Jamaica. "He died peacefully but it still hurts. The two had met Jamaica's post-colonial His 1980 album, "Black and Dekker," featured members of a venerable Jamaican band, the Pioneers, and Graham Parker's band, the Rumour. Musical Nincom Poop 8. [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. And the higher ones wanted to bulldoze the whole thing down and do their own thing and the students said no way. 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. Born Desmond Adolphus Dacres, July 16, c. 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica; died of a heart attack, May 25, 2006, in London, England. Me said a it mek - mek you pop yu bitta gall. Los Angeles Times And it just get out of controlIs just a typical riot 'cause I say - Them a loot, them a shoot, them a wail. [2] The Aces continued to record under their own name (without Dekker) and had a Jamaican hit in 1970 with "Mademoiselle Ninette". His fans included the Beatles, who namechecked him in the lyrics to migrating across the Atlantic along with a growing West Indian expatriate Desmond Adolphus Dacres was born in Saint Andrew Parish (Greater Kingston), Jamaica, on 16 July 1941. From a child he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. 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. 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 died on 24 May 2006 in Thornton Heath, London, England, UK. The Top 14 Jamaican Recipes Searched for by Canadians. [2] While at St. Thomas, Dekker embarked on an apprenticeship as a tailor before returning to Kingston, where he became a welder. and became one of his country's first recording stars to achieve Desmond Adolphus Dacres - Born in Saint Andrew Parish Kingston Jamaica 16th July 1941. Photo Courtesy:Desmond Dekker Reggae Facebook. , May 27, 2006, p. A11; 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. It's Not Easy 3. Despite declining sales, Dekker remained a popular live performer and continued to tour with The Rumour. 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. [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. It was during this period that Desmond Dacres adopted the stage-name of Desmond Dekker. 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 the release of Israelites, Dekker became the first Jamaican artist to score a hit in the United States. In 1970 Dekker released "You Can Get It If You Really Want", written by Jimmy Cliff, which reached No. Genres: Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae. an ex-wife and a son and daughter, but Dekker was mourned by several He had another hit in 1969, "It Mek," and a year later It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. introduced Marley to the record label executives who shaped his own 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. The Jamaican rhythm of ska had already generated hits in the United States, notably Millie Small's 1964 hit, "My Boy Lollipop." Other hits include "007 (Shanty Town)" (1967), "It Mek" (1969) and "You Can Get It If You Really Want" (1970). "They know all the words to his songs, 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. 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. pioneer Desmond Dekker dominated Jamaica's pop charts in the 1960s, The Aces, originally known as The Four Aces, were a Jamaican vocal group who are best known for their work with Desmond Dekker. version of ska. Problems 9. 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)". The initial line-up of The Aces consisted of Clive Campbell, Barry Howard, Carl Howard, and Patrick Howard. The song's title is Jamaican patois meaning "that's why" or "that's the reason. When Maxell used Israelites in a TV commercial, it propelled Dekker and his music back into the spotlight. [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 - 25 May 2006) [1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. Dekker spent his formative years in Kingston. Previously divorced, he was survived by a son and daughter. A string of Jamaican hits followed, including "It Pays," "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning." The 2016 - current line up of musicians for Desmond Dekker's band the Aces featuring Delroy Williams & Guests. For Once in My Life (Missing Lyrics) 10. "Honour Your Father and Mother" reached the No. Despite "Israelites" being recorded and released in 1968, the Uni 45 discography shows its cataloguing in 1969. Mr. Kong produced Mr. Dekker's first single, "Honour Thy Father and Mother," in 1963, and it reached No. of the island," wrote I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far. comparisons between Jamaica's poor and the beleaguered Israelites Potentially because of this usage, the song charted again, entering the Billboard Digital Reggae Song Sales Chart at #2.[15]. [1] Kong employed the group as backing singers for Dekker and they can be heard on the song "Get Up . [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. Dekker was responsible for bringing Bob Marleys talents to the attention of Kong and the two had several successful collaborations. Showing Editorial results for desmond dekker. 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. His last concert was at Leeds Metropolitan University on 11 May. 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. The comeback failed to save him from bankruptcy in 1984, He was 64. The artist died on May 25, 2006, of a heart attack at his home in Thorton Heath in the Croydon Borough of London. characterised by a fast, metronomic tempo and a strongly accented This early religious upbringing, as well as Dekker's enjoyment of singing hymns, led to a lifelong religious commitment. UK reissue of this two CD collection by the Reggae/Ska legend. At the time of his death, he was preparing as the headliner of a world music festival in Prague. Desmond Dekker, the Jamaican singer whose 1969 hit, "The Israelites," opened up a worldwide audience for reggae, died on Wednesday. A global million sales was reported in June 1969. "Isrealites" lyrics have long been obscure, but, with the wonder of the internet are now easily available and I have. 2 in the UK charts. 1 in Jamaica. Sung in Jamaican creole, some of the song's lyrics were not readily understood by many British and American listeners at the time of its release. Singer. Dekker's trademark falsetto, singing lyrics in a "The song, an ode to the troubles of the poor, Free shipping for many products! made it into the Top Ten on the U.S. singles chart the following year. [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. Most recently, it featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 film Vivarium. Other hits include "007", "It Mek" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want". 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 film introduced Jamaica's vibrant musical culture to the rest [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]. By the time I got home, it was complete. "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. Originally issued in Jamaica as "Poor Me Israelites",[7] it remains the best known Jamaican reggae hit to reach the United States Hot 100's top 10,[5] and was written almost two years after Dekker first made his mark with the rude boy song "007 (Shanty Town)". I was his manager and his best friend, I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far.". New York Times [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom.[2]. 63K views 4 years ago A reggae hit in 1969 for Desmond Dekker and the Aces. . 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. Reggae singer Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, aged 64. which Dekker admitted was the result of a swindle by his former manager. even the most obscure ones.". With "The Israelites," released in Jamaica in December 1968, Mr. Dekker had an international impact. From a very young age he would regularly attend the local church with his grandmother and aunt. Mr. Dekker's songs were rediscovered, and he was signed by Madness's label, Stiff Records. Along with Bob . [3] In 2003 a reissue of The Harder They Come soundtrack featured "Israelites" and "007 (Shanty Town)". [1] Little more was heard from the group until 1982 when they released "One Way Street". Times Like many of Mr. Dekker's songs, it carried a message. He was 64. Dekker spent his early formative years in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. Born Desmond Adolphus Dacres, July 16, c. 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica; died "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song.