"Honour Your Father and Mother" reached the No. 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. Roll Call"). a year later. He died after collapsing from a heart attack at his home in Surrey, England, his manager, Delroy Williams, told Reuters. [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". his co-workers to dare him into auditioning for a record label. [3] In Dekker's words: "The students had a demonstration and it went all the way around to Four Shore Road and down to Shanty Town. Desmond Dekker, the Jamaican singer whose 1969 hit, "The Israelites," opened up a worldwide audience for reggae, died on Wednesday. [11] In June 1969 it reached the Top Ten in the United States, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. He died peacefully but it still hurts. [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". Jamaican music, and Dekker was at its cutting edge," his Ska legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager said today. Desmond Dekker was born on 16 July 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica. In 2000 he released the album "Halfway to Paradise." international hit. It hit #1 in the United Kingdom,[12] the Netherlands, Jamaica, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and West Germany. 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. the Jamaican charts. "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, later recording the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. [3] Despite this, the single was the first UK reggae #1 and among the first to reach the US top ten (peaking at #9). [3], In 1961 he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle), though neither audition was successful. Jamaican Ska Star Desmond Dekker Dies - Billboard [3] In 2003 a reissue of The Harder They Come soundtrack featured "Israelites" and "007 (Shanty Town)". 9 in the United States in 1969. When Kong died in 1971, Dekker's career faltered, and the hits He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe during the summer. The Aces, originally known as The Four Aces, were a Jamaican vocal group who are best known for their work with Desmond Dekker. After being re-released in June 1969, the single reached number 7 in the UK Singles Chart. [9][10] Ethnomusicologist Michael Veal identifies "007 (Shanty Town)" as one of the songs that demonstrated the viability of Jamaican music in England.[11]. The song is a lament of this condition. made it into the Top Ten on the U.S. singles chart the following year. Join our newsletter to get the latest articles, news, & videos. States, but it reached No. He was due to perform at the Respect festival in Prague on June 2, before heading on to Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Belgium and London. It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 - 25 May 2006) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. teens had found work as a welder. 1972 film 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)". The British hitmaker Robert Palmer produced Mr. Dekker's next album, "Compass Point," in 1981. Other hits include "007 (Shanty Town)" (1967), "It Mek" (1969) and "You Can Get It If You Really Want" (1970). But while Mr. Dekker kept up a busy performing career, the death of Mr. Kong in 1971 ended his streak of hits. 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. Mr. Dekker's songs were rediscovered, and he was signed by Madness's label, Stiff Records. 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. His first contract was with Leslie Kongs Beverleys label. Rock it to me, children. career, "Israelites," was released in December of 1968 and 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. Dekker's next album, Compass Point (1981), was produced by Robert Palmer. 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. [2] While at St. Thomas, Dekker embarked on an apprenticeship as a tailor before returning to Kingston, where he became a welder. His impact on music, record-company veteran Roger [5] Many of the hits from this era came from his debut album, 007 (Shanty Town). For Once in My Life (Missing Lyrics) 10. Photo Highlights: Protoje takes Hope Gardens A Matter of Time Live, The Top 100 Reggae Songs From 1962 2017. 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. He was renowned for his earliest reggae hit internationally 'Israelites.' He died at the age of Sixty Four years. In 1980, Dekker released a new recording of the song on UK label Stiff Records, performed in an uptempo Two Tone style. 1 in Jamaica. even the most obscure ones.". Showing Editorial results for desmond dekker. "The Israelites," with its biblical imagery of suffering and redemption, showed the world reggae's combination of danceable rhythm and serious, sometimes spiritual intentions. The Top 14 Jamaican Recipes Searched for by Canadians. He was 64. , May 27, 2006, p. A11; [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. 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. The 64-year-old Jamaican, best known for his 1969 smash hit Israelites, collapsed at his home in Surrey yesterday morning. He had another hit in 1969, "It Mek," and a year later . "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. Along with Bob . With the release of Israelites, Dekker became the first Jamaican artist to score a hit in the United States. Most recently, it featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 film Vivarium. considered the genre's first genuine star, but his fame would later Dekker was initially reluctant to record the track but was eventually persuaded to do so by Leslie Kong. In 1970 Dekker released "You Can Get It If You Really Want", written by Jimmy Cliff, which reached No. The initial line-up of The Aces consisted of Clive Campbell, Barry Howard, Carl Howard, and Patrick Howard. The Harder They Come He was a Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae singer. [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. He briefly had an apprenticeship as a tailor before working as a welder. "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. 1 in Britain and No. Mr. Kong produced Mr. Dekker's first single, "Honour Thy Father and Mother," in 1963, and it reached No. By 1970 Dekker was living in England, but still worked steadily with Kong. of the biblical era. charts in the United States, and opened the ears of the world to the music But that song was treated as a novelty. I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far. He was in 1980, and 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. When Maxell used Israelites in a TV commercial, it propelled Dekker and his music back into the spotlight. 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"). By 1971 the line-up had changed again, with Barry Howard now rejoined by Carl Hall. 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. "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. 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. [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. Born Desmond Adolphus Dacres, July 16, c. 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica; died The obituary was featured in Legacy on May 26, 2006. Israelites 2. It Mek 7. Dekker became associated with bluebeat, a more uptempo "When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". generations of fans. an ex-wife and a son and daughter, but Dekker was mourned by several [2] The single featured Roland Alphonso's "El Torro" on the B-side.[2]. Copyright Simbis Inc.All rights reserved. The song's title is Jamaican patois meaning "that's why" or "that's the reason. Previously divorced, he was survived by a son and daughter. 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. Track listing. Genres: Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae. Desmond Dekker. Two 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. The star was divorced with a son and daughter. "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not," he said. [2] It spent eleven weeks in the UK chart, and by September 1970 had sold over a million copies worldwide. A man of many talents, Desmond Adolphus Dacres, a.k.a. "It is such a shock, I don't think I will ever get over this," he said. [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. [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. 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. From a child he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. and became one of his country's first recording stars to achieve Musical 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. [2] A gold record was presented by Ember Records, the distributors of Dekker's recordings.[2]. I was his manager and his best friend. [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". 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! of the island," wrote The musician's popularity waned in the late '70s and '80s, and Dekker was declared bankrupt in 1984. Despite "Israelites" being recorded and released in 1968, the Uni 45 discography shows its cataloguing in 1969. Photo Courtesy:Desmond Dekker Reggae Facebook. 2, p. 11; A few A global million sales was reported in June 1969. [13] 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 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. Dekker's trademark falsetto, singing lyrics in a Dekker was the first Jamaican artist to have a hit record in the US with Jamaican-style music. 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. "[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. reached No. 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"). Desmond Dekker was born on July 16, 1941. [2] expressed in the growth of ska, a mix of imported rhythm and blues and Privacy Policy & Terms of use. their ska-inflected hit "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da." This Is Desmond Dekkar Review. the film introduced Jamaica's vibrant musical culture to the rest New York Times Jamaica's post-colonial 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. Reggae singer Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, aged 64. . Dekker spent his early formative years in Kingston, the capital of Jamaica. He suffered a heart attack and 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. Browse 99 desmond dekker stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. 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. 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. Los Angeles Times [1] Little more was heard from the group until 1982 when they released "One Way Street". Mr Williams said Dekker had led the way for reggae stars such as Bob Marley. Desmond Adolphus Dacres was born in Saint Andrew Parish (Greater Kingston), Jamaica, on 16 July 1941. 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. years earlier, when both worked as welders in Kingston, and Dekker His mother had passed away from a young age. "[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." Mr. Dekker was named Desmond Adolphus Dacres when he was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1941. The 2016 - current line up of musicians for Desmond Dekker's band the Aces featuring Delroy Williams & Guests. [1] Kong employed the group as backing singers for Dekker and they can be heard on the song "Get Up . He often sang on the job, which prompted The most successful track of his He moved to the UK in the 70s and recorded the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. The song was his only United States hit, but it was a turning point for Jamaican music among international listeners. It was one of the first reggae songs to become an international hit, despite Dekker's strong Jamaican accent which made his lyrics difficult to understand for many listeners outside Jamaica.[10]. ", 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. "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. "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not. He won the Jamaican Song Festival in 1968 with "Intensified.". 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. "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. 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 . Compass Point ", Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Unflagging performer Desmond Dekker. [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. His 1960's songs used the upbeat ska rhythm, a precursor to reggae also known as bluebeat. Desmond Dekker discography and songs: Music profile for Desmond Dekker, born 16 July 1941. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. suffering even after independence from Britain. Following his mother's death, he moved to the parish of St. Mary and later to St. The singer and songwriter, whose 1969 . Steffens told Stewart in the 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. 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". be eclipsed by another Jamaican, reggae artist Bob Marley. Mr. Dekker had a total of 20 No. years later the track became the signature song for the groundbreaking comparisons between Jamaica's poor and the beleaguered Israelites Dekker was responsible for bringing Bob Marleys talents to the attention of Kong and the two had several successful collaborations. "They know all the words to his songs, 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. [3] 1969 saw the release of "It Mek", which became a hit both in Jamaica and the UK. It took two years before Kong let Dekker record a song, and when he did, 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. , May 27, 2006, sec. "[4], The song also deals with a 'rude boy' who after being released from prison continues to commit crime. Anyone can read what you share. Jamaican patois, helped make his 1969 song "Israelites" an 30," Steffens said. 1969. 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. "He died peacefully but it still hurts. 1 hits in Jamaica. [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom.[2]. A . in Leeds just two weeks before his death. But in 1984 Mr. Dekker declared bankruptcy, blaming his former manager. He recorded an album called Black & Dekker (1980), which featured his previous hits backed by The Rumour, Graham Parker's backing band and Akrylykz (featuring Roland Gift, later of Fine Young Cannibals). the resurgence of ska in England, and top-selling bands like Madness and I dig you out and you're cool, girl. [9] Desmond headlined Jools Holland's 2003 Annual Hootenanny. He was 64. Rude. He was preparing to headline The World Music Festival in Prague. 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). 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)". Los Angeles Times "Israelites" brought a Jamaican beat to the British top 40 for the first time since Dekker's #14 hit "007 (Shanty Town)" in 1967. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 25 May 2006)[1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. community, and in 1967 his song "0.0.7 (Shanty Town)" On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He also collaborated on a remix of "Israelites" with reggae artist Apache Indian. 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). "Israelites" was Dekker's only real hit in the United hotspot in 2005, "which was almost completely people under [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). 15 on the British charts. I related to those things and began to sing a little song: 'You get up in the morning and you're slaving for bread.' version of ska. of a heart attack, May 25, 2006, in London, England. Ostensibly a reissue of his 1969 U.K. LP of 1966-1968 recordings, which had . [1] The group came to the attention of Dekker, who supported them when they auditioned for Leslie Kong at Beverley's studio in 1965. Many of his Free shipping for many products! 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"). 1 in Britain and made him a household name You got wildlife and thing like that because it down near the beach. The unsigned vocalist then auditioned for Leslie Kong's Beverley's record label and was awarded his first recording contract. The music began 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. 1961. Dekker was a native of Kingston, Jamaica's capital, where he was [7], "007" was Dekker's first international hit. "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. best-known songs celebrated the "rude boy" culture, the name 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. He returned to the British charts with "Sing a Little Song" in 1975. Dubbed "the King of Ska," Desmond Dekker is one of the key artists in the history of Jamaican music. "Isrealites" lyrics have long been obscure, but, with the wonder of the internet are now easily available and I have. The vocal melody is syncopated and is centred on the tone of B flat. 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. His 1980 album, "Black and Dekker," featured members of a venerable Jamaican band, the Pioneers, and Graham Parker's band, the Rumour. Singer. The song would return to the British charts in 1975 and was reissued as a single after being used in a commercial for Maxell recording tape in 1990. career. of musicians and producers Dekker cut two more albums, born in 1941 or 1942. there. died on May 25, 2006, in London, at the age of 63 or 64. Tips of My Fingers 5. It was his workmates who first noted his vocal talents, as the youngster sang around the workshop. migrating across the Atlantic along with a growing West Indian expatriate "The Israelites" reached No. Dekker recorded the song again for his 1980 album Black and Dekker. I heard a couple arguing about money. My Father lived with his Grandmother along with his Father in Kingston. Although newcomers should be directed to Trojan's 1997 best-of, The Original Rude Boy, among the many retrospectives, fans of Dekker and original Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and founding reggae are well served by this narrowly focused CD. He was a composer, known for Fool's Gold (2008), Idiocracy (2006) and Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008). Ska legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager said today. The comeback failed to save him from bankruptcy in 1984, Times 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. 63K views 4 years ago A reggae hit in 1969 for Desmond Dekker and the Aces. Dekker, whose 1969 hit Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts, collapsed at his Surrey home. "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. more rural part of the island, but returned to Kingston and by his late [3], Despite achieving a record deal, it was two years before Dekker saw his first record released. [2] Dekker composed the song after overhearing an argument: "I was walking in the park, eating popcorn. of the world. Several more hits followed, and Dekker became a major (London), May 27, 2006, p. 70; UK reissue of this two CD collection by the Reggae/Ska legend. He was 64. Paul McCartney slipped Mr. Dekker's first name into the lyrics to the Beatles' ska song, "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," on "The Beatles" (also known as the White Album) in 1968, the year Mr. Dekker moved to England. 1 spot on 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. He died on 24 May 2006 in Thornton Heath, London, England, UK. A string of Jamaican hits followed, including "It Pays," "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning." And it just get out of controlIs just a typical riot 'cause I say - Them a loot, them a shoot, them a wail. Desmond Dekker passed away. Mr Dekker, who was divorced with a son and a daughter, played his last gig at Leeds University on May 11.