Desmond Dekker & The Aces

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Desmond Dekker & The Aces · Desmond Dekker, born Desmond Adolphus Dacres, was a Jamaican singer and songwriter regarded as a pioneer of ska, rocksteady and reggae. He was born in 1941 in Kingston and as a boy was used to singing hymns. In 1961 he auditioned for Coxsone Dodd and Duke Reid, without success, and then got a contract with Leslie Kong's label. With his backing group The Aces, consisting of Wilson James and Easton Barrington Howard, he had one of the first international reggae hits. He also spotted the talent of Bob Marley, a fellow welder, and brought him to Kong's attention.

Music and breakthrough

In the early years he dealt in his songs with moral and social themes, such as respect for your parents, and later also with rude boy songs such as Rude Boy Train and Rudie Got Soul. His debut album was called 007 (Shanty Town). In 1968 Israelites appeared, which topped the British charts in April 1969 and reached the American top ten in June 1969. Dekker was the first Jamaican artist with an American hit in Jamaican style, apart from Millie Small. In 1970 he reached number two in Great Britain with You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff. In 1975 Israelites was a British top hit again. In 1980 he signed to Stiff Records and recorded Black & Dekker, during the 2 Tone revival of ska.

Influence

Dekker brought the music of Jamaica to an international audience. His Israelites is one of the best-known examples of that breakthrough.

Listening

Discography

Studio albums

• 1967007 Shanty Town
• 1968Action!
• 1968Intensified
• 1969Israelites
• 1992Music Like Dirt
• 2019Pretty Africa