It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. "They know all the words to his songs, With a younger generation community, and in 1967 his song "0.0.7 (Shanty Town)" Singer. 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 - Israelites (Official Music Video) Weedy Weed Smoker 7.04K subscribers Subscribe 349K views 5 years ago Music video by Desmond Dekker performing Israelites. View history " 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. Track Listing - Disc 1 Track Listing - Disc 2 blue highlight denotes track pick Jamaican singer and musician, Desmond Dekker pictured wearing white trousers and a white cowl neck tunic and sitting on a stool circa 1969. Dekker was the first Jamaican artist to have a hit record in the US with Jamaican-style music. Other hits include "007 (Shanty Town)" (1967), "It Mek" (1969) and "You Can Get It If You Really Want" (1970). Photo Highlights: Protoje takes Hope Gardens A Matter of Time Live, The Top 100 Reggae Songs From 1962 2017. 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)". 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. 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. Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. Desmond Dekker unleashed a flood of fine singles across the '60s and early '70s, all under the aegis of producer Leslie Kong.Taking a chance on an untried youngster barely into his teens, who'd already been shown the door by Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid, Kong nurtured Dekker to international stardom, only to die suddenly in 1971, two years after the singer's breakthrough. In 1980, Dekker released a new recording of the song on UK label Stiff Records, performed in an uptempo Two Tone style. "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. [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]. 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! characterised by a fast, metronomic tempo and a strongly accented "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. Dekker, whose 1969 hit Israelites was the first reggae song to top the UK charts, collapsed at his Surrey home. [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". "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. 15 on the British charts. Dekker soon garnered a wider audience with his songs, which were recorded And it just get out of controlIs just a typical riot 'cause I say - Them a loot, them a shoot, them a wail. 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. 1 in Britain and No. With the release of Israelites, Dekker became the first Jamaican artist to score a hit in the United States. He died peacefully but it still hurts. "[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. In 1970 Dekker released "You Can Get It If You Really Want", written by Jimmy Cliff, which reached No. ", He added: "People like Desmond Dekker only come along once in a lifetime. 1972 film Born Desmond Adolphus Dacres, July 16, c. 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica; died 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. Ironically although he went to worldwide fame his former welding colleague Marley never had a UK number one. 30," Steffens said. It hit #1 in the United Kingdom,[12] the Netherlands, Jamaica, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and West Germany. 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. (London), May 27, 2006, p. 70; But in 1984 Mr. Dekker declared bankruptcy, blaming his former manager. By the time I got home, it was complete. Nincom Poop 8. pioneer Desmond Dekker dominated Jamaica's pop charts in the 1960s, Early Life The star was divorced with a son and daughter. Mr Williams said Dekker had led the way for reggae stars such as Bob Marley. "I saw him live dozens of times and he couldn't do a bad show - he was always magnificent.". Showing Editorial results for desmond dekker. Israelites 2. He was 64. lament, whose lyrics Dekker had written in his head while walking in a 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). offbeat." 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]. and performed with his backing band, the Four Aces. Jamaica's post-colonial Mr. Kong produced Mr. Dekker's first single, "Honour Thy Father and Mother," in 1963, and it reached No. Jamaican patois, helped make his 1969 song "Israelites" an Later that decade, however, there was a revival of interest in Stock Photos from Photos.com, iStockPhotos.com, 123rf. [8] King of Kings consists of songs by Dekker's musical heroes including Byron Lee; Theophilus Beckford, Jimmy Cliff, and his friend and fellow Kong label artist, Derrick Morgan. generations of fans. 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. Ostensibly a reissue of his 1969 U.K. LP of 1966-1968 recordings, which had . But while Mr. Dekker kept up a busy performing career, the death of Mr. Kong in 1971 ended his streak of hits. [1] The group came to the attention of Dekker, who supported them when they auditioned for Leslie Kong at Beverley's studio in 1965. But that song was treated as a novelty. Desmond Dekker, who has died of a heart attack aged 64 in Surrey, was one of the first Jamaican vocalists to make a significant impact outside the land of his birth. [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. 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. 2 in the UK charts. And the higher ones wanted to bulldoze the whole thing down and do their own thing and the students said no way. He had another hit in 1969, "It Mek," and a year later He died after collapsing from a heart attack at his home in Surrey, England, his manager, Delroy Williams, told Reuters. Jamaican Ska Star Desmond Dekker Dies - Billboard 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 artist died on May 25, 2006, of a heart attack at his home in Thorton Heath in the Croydon Borough of London. Dekker, who lived in England, co Search instead in Creative? Rude. His mother had passed away from a young age. The two had met He briefly had an apprenticeship as a tailor before working as a welder. . an ex-wife and a son and daughter, but Dekker was mourned by several The singer and songwriter, whose 1969 . It was also a hit for Musical Youth in 1983. Left to earn a living on his own, he apprenticed as a welder. version of ska. "The Israelites," with its biblical imagery of suffering and redemption, showed the world reggae's combination of danceable rhythm and serious, sometimes spiritual intentions. Many of his "007 (song)" redirects here. producers turned him down before Leslie Kong signed Dekker to his label in The music began Los Angeles Times Desmond Dekker discography and songs: Music profile for Desmond Dekker, born 16 July 1941. the film introduced Jamaica's vibrant musical culture to the rest 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. "The song, an ode to the troubles of the poor, The most successful track of his The movie's hero, played by Jimmy Cliff, sang it this time, and From a very young age he would regularly attend the local church with his grandmother and aunt. He often sang on the job, which prompted Copyright Simbis Inc.All rights reserved. May 25, 2006 - Desmond Dekker was born Desmond Adolphus Dacres on July 16th 1941 in Saint Andrew Parrish, Kingston, Jamaica. He had 10 studio albums, 25 compilation albums, and 47 singles during his career. But his success started to wane by the end of the 70s and early 80s and he was declared bankrupt in 1984. This early religious upbringing, as well as Dekker's enjoyment of singing hymns, led to a lifelong religious commitment. With "The Israelites," released in Jamaica in December 1968, Mr. Dekker had an international impact. Problems 9. "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. 1961. [3], The new group recorded a number of Jamaican hits, including "Parents", "Get Up Edina", "This Woman" and "Mount Zion". He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe during the summer. gangsters they saw in Hollywood films. Dekker's next album, Compass Point (1981), was produced by Robert Palmer. I was his manager and his best friend. Together with his backing group The Aces, he had one of the earliest international reggae hits with "Israelites". Intensified is an album by Desmond Dekker & the Aces released in 1970. 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 From a young age he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. Incudes 'Israelites', '007 (Shanty Town)', 'It Miek', 'You Can Get It If You Really Want' and 'Sing a Litte Song'. Most recently, it featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 film Vivarium. [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. Ska legend Desmond Dekker has died suddenly from a heart attack, his manager said today. . [2] It spent eleven weeks in the UK chart, and by September 1970 had sold over a million copies worldwide. The Harder They Come 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. [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. Times Too Much Too Soon 6. The 64-year-old Jamaican, best known for his 1969 smash hit Israelites, collapsed at his home in Surrey yesterday morning. 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. [11] In June 1969 it reached the Top Ten in the United States, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. New York Times The artist took a permanent residency in the UK in 1969. You got wildlife and thing like that because it down near the beach. Intensified 4. Along with Bob . 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. On the 22 August 1970 edition of American top 40, Casey Kasem claimed that Dekker had more than 40 #1 records in Jamaica. [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". Albums include The Harder They Come, The Harder They Come, and Tougher Than Tough: The Story of Jamaican Music. 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. 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"). The Jamaican rhythm of ska had already generated hits in the United States, notably Millie Small's 1964 hit, "My Boy Lollipop." [2] Just over six years after the original release, the song again reached a Top Ten position in the United Kingdom. He had been due to perform at the Respect Festival in Prague on 2 June, and numerous dates across Europe . Meanwhile, Dekker spotted the talent of Bob Marley, a fellow welder, and brought the youth to Kong's attention. The Aces, originally known as The Four Aces, were a Jamaican vocal group who are best known for their work with Desmond Dekker. [3], Despite achieving a record deal, it was two years before Dekker saw his first record released. [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". His fans included the Beatles, who namechecked him in the lyrics to ", 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. His first contract was with Leslie Kongs Beverleys label. Dekker still performed regularly, and gave what would be his final concert which Dekker admitted was the result of a swindle by his former manager. Survivors include 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. It was taken from an album of similar re-recordings of his old hits, Black & Dekker. His manager and best friend, Delroy Williams, said he had seen the singer and songwriter the night before and he had seemed fine. 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"). I don't think anyone knew how close we were - we go back so far. [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. of the island," wrote Dekker was initially reluctant to record the track but was eventually persuaded to do so by Leslie Kong. Me said a it mek - mek you pop yu bitta gall. In 1993, the Specials reunited and backed up Mr. Dekker on the album "King of Kings," with remakes of ska hits. 1 hits in Jamaica. of the biblical era. States, but it reached No. But a new version of Israelites was released in 1990 and used in television commercials, boosting the star's popularity. 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. "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. Several more hits followed, and Dekker became a major [1] Little more was heard from the group until 1982 when they released "One Way Street". 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. teens had found work as a welder. [2] 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. migrating across the Atlantic along with a growing West Indian expatriate [9][10] Ethnomusicologist Michael Veal identifies "007 (Shanty Town)" as one of the songs that demonstrated the viability of Jamaican music in England.[11]. When Kong died in 1971, Dekker's career faltered, and the hits "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. Their song "Working on it Night and Day", entered the pop charts in 1973. more rural part of the island, but returned to Kingston and by his late Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 - 25 May 2006) was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 - 25 May 2006) [1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. Genres: Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae. What sweet nanny goat a go run him belly good. 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. [2] The single featured Roland Alphonso's "El Torro" on the B-side.[2]. He moved to the UK in the '70s, later recording the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. ", Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, Unflagging performer Desmond Dekker. This was followed by the release of the tracks "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning". career, "Israelites," was released in December of 1968 and Dekker recorded the song again for his 1980 album Black and Dekker. Compass Point 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. Los Angeles Times For Once in My Life (Missing Lyrics) 10. 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]. He was also a songwriter and a musician as well. It took two years before Kong let Dekker record a song, and when he did, "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not," he said. 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 . "The Israelites" reached No. His workplace singing had drawn the attention of his co-workers, who encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Desmond Dekker 1. Desmond Dekker, who brought the sound of Jamaican ska to the world with songs such as "Israelites," has died, his manager said Friday. 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. Desmond Dekker (16 July 1941 25 May 2006)[1] was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. [7], "007" was Dekker's first international hit. comparisons between Jamaica's poor and the beleaguered Israelites "007 (Shanty Town)" has been called "the most enduring and archetypal" rude boy song. Desmond Adolphus Dacres - Born in Saint Andrew Parish Kingston Jamaica 16th July 1941. [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]. 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. At the time of his death, he was preparing as the headliner of a world music festival in Prague. 1 in Jamaica. 2, p. 11; [3] 1969 saw the release of "It Mek", which became a hit both in Jamaica and the UK. "Honour Your Father and Mother" reached the No. Washington Post After being re-released in June 1969, the single reached number 7 in the UK Singles Chart. He also collaborated on a remix of "Israelites" with reggae artist Apache Indian. When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". Desmond Adolphus Dacres was born in Saint Andrew Parish (Greater Kingston), Jamaica, on 16 July 1941. 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. released the song "You Can Get It If You Really Want." Singer. 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). career. 1969. A global million sales was reported in June 1969. [3], Only a single live album was released in the late '80s. Dekker was born on 16 July 1941 in Kingston, Jamaica, and began his working life as a welder before turning to singing full-time. On November 3, 2019, "Israelites" was prominently featured in the third episode of HBO's Watchmen. He moved to the UK in the 70s and recorded the hit You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. He was a Jamaican Ska, Rocksteady and Reggae singer. 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". 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. He was renowned for his earliest reggae hit internationally 'Israelites.' He died at the age of Sixty Four years. years earlier, when both worked as welders in Kingston, and Dekker View their obituary at Legacy.com [3] Despite this, the single was the first UK reggae #1 and among the first to reach the US top ten (peaking at #9). The Top 14 Jamaican Recipes Searched for by Canadians. Jamaican music, and Dekker was at its cutting edge," his tribute, was evident in a sold-out show Dekker played at a Hollywood A man of many talents, Desmond Adolphus Dacres, a.k.a. "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. "He died peacefully but it still hurts. "Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not. "When he released Israelites nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them.". A string of Jamaican hits followed, including "It Pays," "Sinners Come Home" and "Labour for Learning." Born Desmond Adolphus Dacres, July 16, c. 1941, in Kingston, Jamaica; died of a heart attack, May 25, 2006, in London, England. Tips of My Fingers 5. 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. By 1971 the line-up had changed again, with Barry Howard now rejoined by Carl Hall. Anyone can read what you share. 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. Desmond Dekker 5/2006. He was 64. From a child he regularly attended the local church with his grandmother and aunt. His 1980 album, "Black and Dekker," featured members of a venerable Jamaican band, the Pioneers, and Graham Parker's band, the Rumour. His last concert was at Leeds Metropolitan University on 11 May. the Jamaican charts. [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). [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. "Israelites" was Dekker's only real hit in the United