Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Desmond Dekker Obituary
Dekker, who lived in England, collapsed from an apparent heart attack at his home on Thursday, manager Delroy Williams said.
"It is such a shock, I don't think I will ever get over this," Williams said.
Dekker's 1969 song "Israelites," a Top 10 single in both Britain and the United States, was the first international hit produced by Jamaica's vibrant music scene. With its haunting vocals and irresistible rhythm, it introduced the world to ska, a precursor to reggae.
Other hits included "007 (Shanty Town)" - featured on the soundtrack of the seminal Jamaican film "The Harder They Come" - and "Rudie Got Soul."
"Desmond was the first legend, believe it or not," Williams said. "When he released 'Israelites' nobody had heard of Bob Marley - he paved the way for all of them."
Dekker, who was divorced, is survived by a son and a daughter. Funeral details were not immediately available.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
36 Entries
Rita Cline
July 2, 2024
Thank you for the music.
Helen Carmichael
May 25, 2024
You were my all time favourite, but sadly never got to see you in concert, great pleasure your music gives me. RIP Desmond.
Harry Simpson
May 26, 2017
Godspeed Desmond, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Janet Laramie
January 27, 2016
Rest In Peace Desmond,I loved you and your music.
How you can show support
Jayni Mosher
August 5, 2010
A beautiful man with a beautiful legacy. After 40+ years of having The Israelites occasionally (and JOYFULLY) occupy my mind, a friend sent me a video of Desmond performing it, and I was simply blown away by his charisma--the sheer talent. May you rest in peace, and may your family know that you will all be ultimately united.
Desmond Oyeye
December 23, 2006
Desmond gave voice to his fans.
Desiree marcoux
August 27, 2006
you are and always will be a beautiful soul, your music is pure and filled with love...we all will miss you.You didnt just leave us but you went where we all go and its was only the beginning...ill see you there some day , where the volume buttons have no down arrows, and your never sad where we can dance all day. R.I.P great one , you surley made your mark on this world. You always have and will always be remember and in all of our hearts be alive . thats way i never used the word was. xoxo
Trevor
July 27, 2006
Loved the Dekka music, this legend will be sadly missed.
g
July 12, 2006
Respect
jack lange
June 5, 2006
You pioneered that great reggae sound , theyll have some great music in heaven now ...
Peace from a troubled world Des...
Harry and Chris Henderson & Sons
June 2, 2006
Our condolences to the Desmond Dekker's family "He's safe in God's Arms.
Bunny & Fay Johnson
June 1, 2006
May "JAH" God forever Bless and Keep Thee. We also look forward to seeing you in the Musician's corner in Heaven. Thanks for the Music.
bexx
June 1, 2006
You taught me to appreciate ska music and roots reggae. Thank you so much.
Adrian Linares
May 31, 2006
R.I.P you was a great mon!!!!!!now you are part from a select choir in heaven singing and taken care to all of us........
Dean
May 30, 2006
God bless you and your family, you help to make the world a better place. peace be with your loved ones.
Clash City Kells
May 30, 2006
A true originator...rest in peace, brother.
vicki
May 29, 2006
Peace be with you.
tammy megginson
May 28, 2006
we will miss you and your music,but you are singing for a better group now.
Rua Howard
May 28, 2006
Heaven now has a new rhythm.
The McConnell Family
May 28, 2006
Sorry to see you go, live long in Heaven
Michael Truby
May 27, 2006
Play on in Heaven my friend!
melissa bell
May 27, 2006
Sorry to see you go, desmond
Carla
May 27, 2006
Nuff Respect Mista Dekka, loved the sounds of Israelites and you will be missed. Respect to the family.
Kenneth,Barbara & Ti Wilson
May 27, 2006
Your music was great, and so were you with people of all walks of life. God Speed our Friend. You were one of the great ones. I remember your music when in Miami Fl. many years ago. May God Bless you. You are the BEST. Best to your family. Love from our hearts....
Mike Jordan
May 27, 2006
Thanks for introducing me to ska. Jah bless!
Carol Kemp
May 27, 2006
Desmond Dekker will be sadly missed, here in U.K., where he still did some gigs. Was looking forward to meeting him a while back when he was playing at Finsbury Park, London, due to ill health he had to pull out.
He brought so many happy hours of great music over the decades since he started in the 60's. Will think of him when listening to his music.
Sending sympathy and comfort to his family. Kind Regards Carol, Eddie and Mich.
shiley simpson
May 26, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Shawn
May 26, 2006
Thanks for the great music!
Sylvia Prawl
May 26, 2006
My condolences to Demond Dekker's family. May he rest in peace. I didn't know Mr. Dekker personally but remember "Ska" being born in Jamaica in the early sixties. So I salute this brethren on his way home, Jah Bless.
Heather
May 26, 2006
Around the world, he will be missed. I've enjoined Desmond Dekker's music so much and regret that I never got to see him in person.
James Short
May 26, 2006
You were one of the first to introduce me to the Jamaican sounds. I have refound your brilliance time and time again, as my passion for the music has continued to grow. Nuff thanks and Jah bless.
Deb Heap
May 26, 2006
His music was timeless. I loved it when I was young and when I played it for my 8 year old son almost 40 years later he loved it too. He told me he would like to see him perform and made me do a search on the net. Sadly he will not be able to see him perform. Desmond Dekker will be missed.
Windell Singleton
May 26, 2006
Thanks Mr.Dekker for paving the way for such great black artist's as Bob Marley,yellow man,wyclef,etc.Your great contributions has brought an entire culture together,including the U.S.A.On behalf of the african american people,"THANK YOU".May the lord continue to bless your accomplishments in our world,society and culture."ALWAYS PRAY"
Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results
Make a Donation
in Desmond Dekker's name
How to support Desmond's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Desmond Dekker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored