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Desmond Dekker

(1941-2006), Singer and songwriter

Desmond Dekker (né Desmond Adolphus Dacres)

Sitter in 2 portraits
Jamaican SKA and reggae singer-songwriter. Encouraged by co-workers to pursue a career in music after hearing him sing in the workplace, he attended a number of auditions, all unsuccessful until he auditioned for Leslie Kong's Beverley's record label (the label that recorded Bob Marley's first single) and was awarded his first recording contract. His first hit was "Israelites", it topped the UK Singles Chart in April 1969 and reached the Top Ten of the US Billboard Hot 100 in June 1969. Other popular hits that followed were "007 (Shanty Town)", "It Mek" and "You Can Get It If You Really Want". Dekker was preparing to headline a world music festival in Prague when he died of a heart attack at home in London.

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Desmond Dekker

by Danijah Tafari
gelatin silver print, 1995
NPG x76192

Sheet music cover for 'The Israelites' by Desmond Dekker

published by The Sparta Florida Music Group Ltd, after Unknown photographer
halftone reproduction, published 1968
NPG D48384

Groups

Place

Jamaica

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Desmond Dekker

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