Desmond Dekker (born Desmond Adolphus Dacres in Kingston, Jamaica on July 1… Read Full Bio ↴Desmond Dekker (born Desmond Adolphus Dacres in Kingston, Jamaica on July 16, 1941, died May 25 2006) was a ska and reggae singer and songwriter. Together with his backing group, The Aces (consisting of Wilson James and Easton Barrington Howard), he had the first international Jamaican hit with "Israelites". Other hits include "007 (Shanty Town)" (1967), and "It Mek" (1968).
Before the ascent of Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker was the best-known Jamaican musician outside of his country, and one of the most popular within it. He was orphaned as a teenager. Dekker began working as a welder, singing around his workplace while his coworkers encouraged him. In 1961, he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle). Neither were impressed by his talents, and the young man moved on to Leslie Kong's Beverley record label, where he auditioned before Derrick Morgan, then the label's biggest star. With Morgan's support, Dekker was signed but did not record until 1963, because Leslie Kong wanted to wait for the perfect song. Dekker's "Honour Your Father and Mother" was to be that song.
Before the ascent of Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker was the best-known Jamaican musician outside of his country, and one of the most popular within it. He was orphaned as a teenager. Dekker began working as a welder, singing around his workplace while his coworkers encouraged him. In 1961, he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle). Neither were impressed by his talents, and the young man moved on to Leslie Kong's Beverley record label, where he auditioned before Derrick Morgan, then the label's biggest star. With Morgan's support, Dekker was signed but did not record until 1963, because Leslie Kong wanted to wait for the perfect song. Dekker's "Honour Your Father and Mother" was to be that song.
More Genres
More Albums
Load All
No Artists Found
More Artists
Load All
No Albums Found
No Tracks Found
Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Search results not found
Song not found
Intensified
Desmond Dekker Lyrics
(Poor Mi) Israelites Get up in the morning, slaving for bread, sir So that…
Bongo Gal I like the way how you hold and treat me…
Hanging Tree The hanging tree The hanging tree The hanging tree The hangi…
Intensified '68 We're having a party I hope you are hearty (yeah) We're…
It Is Not Easy Oh, Lord, it is not easy Oh, Lord, I can't stand…
It Mek Aaaahhhh You think I never see you when you jump over…
Nincompoop You say what I don't say, girl I know what you…
Rude Boy Train The rude boy train is comin' now The rude boy train…
Sweet Music Sweet music the sound of freedom Sweet music the sound of…
Tips of My Fingers I reached out my arms and I touched you with…
Wise Man A wise man keeps perfect life And the life of a…